Microsoft awards AST Gold Certified Partnership status

AST Microsoft Solutions, one of the country`s largest providers of development and integration services for the Microsoft platform, has been awarded Gold Certification status for E-Commerce Solutions, thanks to its focus, proven commitment and expertise in building and delivering solutions based on Microsoft technologies.

The criteria for being awarded Gold Certification are stringent and require that the each partner provides a number of client references that show the solutions in action. These references are verified by Microsoft and must be continuously updated to maintain Gold Certified status.

AST Microsoft Solutions has been instrumental in delivering large-scale .NET applications to corporate clients. A recent example of this was the automation of manual forms within Eskom using .NET and the K2.NET workflow tools.

"With its commitment and excellent track record, AST has ensured compliance with these criteria. This commitment ensures that AST delivers solid solutions that enable application-executing transactions across the web," says Amory Gordon, enterprise partner group manager at Microsoft South Africa.

"Microsoft is extremely proud to award AST the accreditation. The company has proved its expertise in providing high quality e-commerce solutions," adds Gordon. "The additional benefits of the Gold Certified Programme will further enhance AST`s abilities to offer leading-edge solutions."

"Many of our existing clients are implementing large-scale, enterprise-wide solutions on the Microsoft platform," explains Dennis Parker, GM of AST Microsoft Solutions. "Typically, these solutions are highly complex, requiring integration with existing legacy-based host applications and mainstream ERP environments, predominantly SAP. Success in this area depends on strong capabilities in - and in-depth knowledge of - implementation methodologies, architecture, project management, integration, business analysis, systems analysis, development and infrastructure skills.

"The Gold Certification status will enable us to continue enhancing our offerings to our clients, because it provides us with early access to technical-readiness materials and Microsoft technologies, as well as technology deployment blueprints - developed through Microsoft Enterprise Services - and increased product licence benefits," adds Parker.