Netscope takes home Microsoft SA`s first Gold Partner Status Award in Learning Solutions

One of Microsoft`s preferred certified technical education centres, Netscope, has been awarded with Gold Partner Status, the first in the technical education space in SA.

Netscope delivers innovative learning solutions that fuse emerging technologies with pioneering training methodologies. Microsoft`s Partner Programmes and resources provide the flexibility to choose the level of engagement and support required from Microsoft to provide for their businesses needs.

"At Microsoft, partners are key to our success. That`s why we`ve invested generously in our partnering programmes-creating opportunities for partners to increase revenue opportunities, lower the cost of doing business, get solutions to market faster, and expand business networks," says Anton Jacobsz, OEM and SMB channel manager.

The Microsoft Gold Partner Status in Learning Solutions programme is targeted specifically at those Microsoft CTECs who focus on the enterprise customer and who invest their business in value-added services for those customers. A company can benefit from this programme if it assesses, designs, customises, and plans training solutions for medium to large enterprise organisations.

Netscope Training focuses exclusively on Microsoft .NET training solutions. The Mastering Information Technology (MIT) course was developed for school leavers looking to build careers in IT. Students specialise in development and obtain high skill levels in Visual Basic .NET, C#, ASP .NET and XML among others. Through the use of technology students, trainers and parents can collaborate as a single entity. The new MIT course is based on a Laptop Learning Programme modelled on the progressive educational concepts of Anytime, Anywhere Learning and the Connected Learning Community.

"Obtaining Microsoft Gold Certification in Learning Solutions was our top priority in 2002. The Gold certification is not only indicative our ability to engage enterprise-styled clients, but also proves that Netscope Training has the necessary skills and capabilities to compete at world-class levels. We are extremely proud to be the first organisation in the Middle East/Africa region to successfully obtain this credential," says Jason Perthel, managing director of Netscope Training.

Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive enhanced benefits over and above the Microsoft Certified Partner Programme. These include; elite brand identification, prioritised access to advanced training opportunities, increased product licenses and MSDN access, prioritised listing on referrals and business engagements, an exclusive Web site, and differentiated marketing materials. For more information on the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Status in Learning Solutions programme, go to www.members.microsoft.com/partner/partnering/programmes.