Network Alliance, a specialist IT and network solutions provider for small and medium enterprises, has attained six competency certifications in the recently-restructured Microsoft Partner Network. This makes Network Alliance one of the first companies in South Africa to successfully transition to Microsoft's new partner network.
Network Alliance, which has been part of the Microsoft Partner Network for a decade, provides licensing, software asset management and network infrastructure solutions for SMEs operating mainly in the property, legal and manufacturing sectors, and was awarded the prestigious Microsoft Licensing Solutions Partner of the Year Award at Microsoft's Partner Summit, in September 2010.
Shortly after that, in October last year, Microsoft introduced a new, more stringent set of performance criteria for partners, awarding certification based on individual competencies rather than on partner profile. Microsoft has set out a total of 29 competency areas, each with a Silver and Gold level. Partners are now differentiated based on the type and level of competency achieved, as measured against a well-defined set of eligibility criteria.
“The Microsoft Partner Network is one of the most active and diverse partner networks in the world,” says Raymond Wright, Network Alliance Managing Director. “We're proud to have been part of the programme, first as a Certified Partner and then as a Gold Certified Partner, since our company's inception, and have eagerly embraced the new certification criteria.”
The company has now attained Gold certification in Server Platform, Desktop and Volume Licensing competencies, and Silver certification for Identity and Security and Software Asset Management, and well as for being a Midmarket Solution Provider.
In order to obtain an entry-level Silver competency certification, a partner has to employ a minimum of two Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) and provide evidence - in the form of at least three verifiable customer references - of solutions deployed within these customer environments.
To be eligible for Gold competency, the partner has to employ additional MCPs, and has to submit at least five customer references. Participation in the annual Microsoft Customer Satisfaction Index (CSAT) is also a prerequisite.
Network Alliance's Silver and Gold competencies demonstrate the company's skill and expertise in these business solution areas, and are evidence of its ability to deliver 'best-in-class' solutions.
“Network Alliance is proud to be a member of the Microsoft Partner Network,” says Wright. “In an ever-changing business landscape, this partnership not only gives us a definite competitive advantage, but allows us to continually improve our engagement model and the quality of our professional service.”
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