Microsoft Announces 2006 Partner Program Award Finalists
and Select Category Winners

REDMOND, Wash., July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Microsoft Corp. today announced the finalists and winners of select categories for the 2006 Microsoft(R) Partner Program Awards. The awards recognize Microsoft Registered, Certified and Gold Certified partners that developed exemplary solutions for their customers during the past year. Nearly 2,400 entries were submitted by partners worldwide, and finalists were selected based on their dedicated use of Microsoft technologies to provide solutions for their customers' needs. The winners will be honored at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2006, Microsoft's premier annual partner event, July 11-13, 2006, in Boston.

"Each year, Microsoft has the distinct pleasure of recognizing Registered, Certified and Gold Certified partners that have demonstrated an impressive level of creativity in using technology to deliver excellence to their customers," said Allison Watson, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. "The finalists and award winners announced today have exceeded expectations in delivering outstanding customer service and optimization of Microsoft technologies. To have so many great entries from partners is a tremendous reflection of the amazing scope and quality of partners that are meeting customer needs by providing solutions with Microsoft technology."

Microsoft Partner Program Award finalists will be honored in the following categories, each of which represents a particular business practice area or partner business model. Winners will be selected for both a Technology Innovation and a Sales and Marketing award in each category: Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, Business Process and Integration Solutions, Custom Development Solutions, Data Management Solutions, Information Worker Solutions, ISV/Software Solutions, Learning Solutions, Licensing Solutions, Microsoft Business Solutions, Mobility Solutions, Networking Infrastructure Solutions, OEM Hardware Solutions, Security Solutions, and Small Business Specialist. In addition to announcing the finalists for each category, Microsoft selected the Specialization Excellence award winners for each category based on a partner's demonstrated ability to deliver specific solutions within a specialized subset of Microsoft's competency areas. Microsoft also announced the winners of the Winning Customer and Customer Experience awards.

Winning Customer Awards

The Winning Customer Awards recognize the successful implementation of solutions on the Microsoft platform, resulting in the migration of customers to Microsoft technologies from competing technologies such as Novell Inc.'s NetWare, UNIX or Linux. Partners received this award by expertly developing customer solutions that exemplify the benefit of working on the Microsoft platform rather than those of other technology vendors.

Global Winning Customer Award Winners

-- Affinity Systems -- Artemis -- Convergent Computing -- Dimension Data Australia -- Ensim -- Fujitsu Consulting -- Idealsoft -- Intelecto Soluciones y Tecnologia -- ITQAN -- LegendCorp -- SourceCode - K2.net -- TECHNE Regional Winning Customer Award Winners -- Accenture -- Agresso R&D -- Brookstone Technologies -- Bryan Vincent Associates -- Columbus IT -- Coveo Solutions -- Delta Access -- EDS Austria -- Ementor Danmark -- Geniant -- Getronics -- Grupo A&C -- Grupo Processor -- HP -- InfoGraphics Nigeria -- Infosys Technologies -- Infusion Development -- EMC -- iteration2 -- Kaoni -- Level Platforms -- Mint Net -- Nihon Unisys -- OntheIT -- Ship2save.com -- Singularity -- Skelta Software -- Tectura Hong Kong -- tegos Dortmund -- TiBA Solutions -- Upside Software -- Vertscape -- VITOVA Limited -- Workshare Customer Experience Award Winners

The Customer Experience Award recognizes the outstanding customer service that partners have provided to their customers by demonstrating an understanding of their needs, and honors partners' ingenuity in developing unique and relevant approaches to customer outreach.

-- C2C Systems -- Evolutionary Technologies -- imason -- Infosys Technologies -- INTEC -- LexisNexis Infolib -- LUTUM+TAPPERT -- MSC Ltd. -- Nextsense -- Telmex Argentina Global ISV Partner of the Year Finalists -- BMC Software -- Citrix Systems -- Open Text Corp. -- Quest Software -- SourceCode Technology Holdings Global Enterprise Services and Technology Partner of the Year Finalists -- Accenture -- Avanade -- Capgemini -- EDS -- HP -- Infosys Technologies Advanced Infrastructure Solutions

The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Awards recognize partners with proven expertise in designing and/or implementing any or all of these complex infrastructure specializations. Network infrastructures are growing increasingly complex with the demand for Web-based applications, internal and external portals, solutions for managing large amounts of data and translating it into business intelligence, and more efficient communications both within the enterprise and from remote sites. Enterprises are looking to Microsoft technologies to meet these demands, and looking for technology partners with the skills and expertise to design and implement innovative, cost-effective solutions that incorporate these technologies.

Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Apptix -- Dimension Data Australia -- Topnordic

Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Data #3 -- Dimension Data Australia -- CCD Corp. Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Berbee Information Networks -- Computer World WLL -- Ensynch -- intergenia -- KOM Networks -- USA.net -- Verio/NTT America (NTT Comm.) Business Process and Integration Solutions

The Business Process and Integration Solutions Awards recognize best practices for selling and deploying business process management (BPM) and integration solutions. These awards are intended for systems integrators (SIs), solution and service providers, and software developers that concentrate on enterprise application integration, business-to-business application integration, BPM, and adapter development using Microsoft BizTalk(R) Server.

Business Process and Integration Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- RDA -- Solidsoft

Business Process and Integration Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Avanade -- EMC -- Solidsoft -- WHITTMANHART Custom Development Solutions

The Custom Development Solutions Awards recognize partners that focus primarily on development of customized solutions and tools built on Microsoft technologies and solutions using the Visual Studio(R) family of development tools. Specifically, custom development partners may deliver highly custom-built solutions to support customer unique business practices, deliver individual enhancements that allow customers to integrate existing systems with new technologies, or develop extensions to existing Microsoft solutions that the customer may already employ.

Custom Development Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Capgemini -- Dimension Data Australia -- Flag IntelliWan -- NuSoft Solutions -- Onx Enterprise Solutions -- Strategic Data Management

Custom Development Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Avanade -- imason -- Info Support -- Programmer's Informatica -- PT. Puspa Intimedia Internusa -- Sysplus Corp. -- Vertscape Custom Development Solutions Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Dimension Data Australia -- Onx Enterprise Solutions -- Programmer's Informatica Data Management Solutions

The Data Management Solutions Award recognizes partners that provide both mission-critical transactional applications and business intelligence solutions. The broad data management story is supported by two specializations:

-- Business intelligence. These solutions help organizations improve their business insight by enabling all employees to make better, faster and more relevant decisions.

-- Database management. The backbone to any mission-critical application, these solutions demand high availability, mission-critical reliability and high performance. Companies that deploy innovative applications are the ones that will be the front-runners in the competitive marketplace.

With an increasing demand on IT resources, companies must find new ways of maximizing their data platform investments. Microsoft provides the next-generation data management platform, enabling customers to unleash the full potential of their data assets.

Data Management Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Edenbrook -- Forte -- Hitachi Consulting -- Otsuka Corp. -- Pexim Solutions -- W5 Solutions

Data Management Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Applied Computer Services Co. [HASIB] -- Database Wizards -- Forte -- Information Management Group -- Navantis -- TKC Corp. -- VITOVA Ltd. Data Management Solutions Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Applied Computer Services Co. [HASIB] -- Hitachi Consulting Information Worker Solutions

The Information Worker Solutions Awards recognize exceptional partners that have excelled in offering breakthrough Microsoft Office system solutions. These awards recognize partner solutions that showcase a unique and positive impact on their customers' business pain points through their expertise in the Information Worker Solutions Competency.

Information Worker Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- arvato systems -- Atos Origin -- i5 -- Otsuka Corp. -- PlexIT Consulting -- Tata Consultancy Services

Information Worker Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Concept Interactive -- PERIFEL -- SourceCode -- K2.net -- The Computer Solution Co. -- Vertscape Information Worker Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Citrix Systems -- Concept Interactive -- EMC -- LMR Solutions -- Otsuka Corp. ISV/Software Solutions

The ISV/Software Solutions Awards are designed to provide recognition to partners that specialize in developing and marketing packaged software solutions based on Microsoft technologies. Independent software vendors (ISVs) face a unique set of challenges among Microsoft solution partners. Increasing business needs and ever-changing customer and technology demands all add to the pressure of running a successful software business.

ISV/Software Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Bentley Systems -- Environmental Support Solutions -- HeuLab -- ICONICS -- Level Platforms ISV/Software Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists -- Bluespring Software -- CommVault -- Modulo Security Solutions -- Relate Software -- Technological Business Solutions ISV Achievement Award Winner -- EFM Software Learning Solutions

The Learning Solutions Awards recognize a partner's commitment and ability to deliver high-quality learning services using a consultative engagement model. It also validates the impact skills assessment, technical training, student mentoring and Microsoft Certified Professional exam preparation have on customer satisfaction, and the application of Microsoft technology to solve business problems.

Learning Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- CompuEducacion -- Excom Education -- New Horizons Cairo -- Nexient Learning -- Unitek -- Xpertise Training

Learning Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Avantus Training -- InterQuad Learning -- KED -- New Horizons Corporate Training -- Nexient Learning -- Springhouse Education & Consulting Licensing Solutions

The Licensing Solutions Awards recognize partner innovation and sales and marketing expertise, as well as specific capabilities related to licensing delivery or software asset management specializations. The Licensing Solutions Competency was created to allow partners to establish their licensing and software asset management expertise and differentiate their services in the marketplace. Successful entries will include descriptions of innovative solutions, sales, services and/or marketing strategies used to provide outstanding service, as well as achieved results and appropriate customer supporting evidence.

Licensing Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Data #3 -- DATALOG Software -- Equipos Computacionales de Occidente -- PCMS IT Advisor Group -- Teksys Licensing Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists -- Brasoftware Informatica -- Conamex International -- Express Metrix -- HP -- Pc-Ware Information Technologies Licensing Solutions Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Data #3 -- Software ONE Microsoft Business Solutions

The Microsoft Business Solutions Awards honor partners that are unsurpassed in providing product and service excellence. These are true champions of financial management, supply chain management, customer relationship management and/or retail management software whose energy, persistence and integrity have allowed Microsoft to strengthen its leadership across multiple platforms and markets. These partners demonstrate leadership in managing their businesses through new customer additions, total revenue and revenue growth.

Microsoft Business Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Collins Computing -- Fillgap Business Systems -- InterDyn AKA -- Maritech -- Professional Advantage -- VOX Wireless

Microsoft Business Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Fillgap Business Systems -- Ideaca Knowledge Services -- Informa Software Consulting -- InterDyn AKA -- Professional Advantage -- Tri-City Retail Systems Microsoft Business Solutions Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Fillgap Business Systems -- InterDyn AKA -- Lanham Associates -- POSitive Technology -- VOX Wireless -- Xapt Hungary Other Microsoft Business Solutions Award Winners -- MBS Consistent Performance InterDyn - Cargas -- MBS Customer Care Excellence Professional Advantage -- MBS Global ISV Partner of the Year Maritech -- MBS Global Partner of the Year Tectura -- MBS Industry Vertical Partner of the Year Infoma Software Consulting -- MBS Knowledge Excellence Altara -- MBS Outstanding ISV Partner of the Year - Partner Choice Feed Management Systems -- MBS Outstanding Partner of the Year, Asia/Pacific Eclipse Computing Australia -- MBS Outstanding Partner of the Year, Canada Sidler Clarke -- MBS Outstanding Partner of the Year, Europe, the Middle East and Africa WM-data -- MBS Outstanding Partner of the Year, Greater China Tectura Hong Kong -- MBS Outstanding Partner of the Year, Latin America Fillgap Business Systems -- MBS Outstanding Partner of the Year, U.S. Iteration2 -- MBS Outstanding Partner of the Year - New Partner Excellence Effect Advanced Solutions -- MBS Partner Individual of the Year - Eagle Award Tom Stolk, Watermark Mobility Solutions

The Mobility Solutions Awards are designed to provide recognition for partners that specialize in developing, deploying, supporting and marketing packaged software solutions and services based on Microsoft Windows Mobile(R) technologies. Companies and organizations worldwide are implementing mobile business solutions to accelerate business cycles, increase productivity, reduce operating costs and extend their enterprise infrastructure. ISVs, SIs and related services partners are utilizing this unique opportunity and very effectively developing, deploying and supporting breakthrough mobility solutions.

Mobility Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Countermind -- InfoGraph -- SOTI -- Spectra Interface -- Sysgold Wireless -- Technological Business Solutions

Mobility Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- 2B Solutions -- Flag IntelliWwan -- iComply -- Lynx Technology -- SoftServe -- TrueContext Networking Infrastructure Solutions

The Networking Infrastructure Solutions Awards honor partners that have infrastructure practices with proven proficiency in implementing solutions based on the Microsoft Windows(R) Small Business Server 2003 or Windows Server(R) 2003 operating systems. These awards also recognize partners with innovative solutions that help small and midsize customers realize their potential by providing operational efficiencies with the help of the Windows Server System(TM).

Networking Infrastructure Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Almacen y Asesoria Computacional -- IT Matters -- NCI Technologies -- Netsurit -- Quadra Systems.net

Networking Infrastructure Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- Amnet -- Bavely Computer Systems -- LegendCorp -- Quadra Systems.net OEM Hardware Solutions

The OEM Hardware Solutions Awards recognize outstanding system builders, independent hardware vendors and original device manufacturers. As customers expand and upgrade their information technology assets, there is a demand for high-quality hardware solutions -- such as desktops, servers and peripherals -- built and designed to work with Microsoft technologies. These hardware solutions are configured according to the customers' needs and supported to ensure customer satisfaction.

OEM Hardware Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- BOXX Technologies -- Connoiseur Electronics -- Fujitsu Siemens Computers -- Kraftway -- Prostar -- Stealth Computer -- Third Wave Corp. OEM Hardware Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists -- Connoiseur Electronics -- Fujitsu Siemens Computers -- Kraftway -- SafeNet -- Tarari -- Third Wave Corp. OEM Hardware Solutions Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Fujitsu Siemens Computers -- Third Wave Corp. Security Solutions

The Security Solutions Awards recognize exceptional partners that have demonstrated expertise in providing the most advanced security solutions and services to protect their customers' information assets.

Security Solutions Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- CMS Consulting -- CPU doo -- InterGrupo -- Network Engines -- Software Box Security Solutions Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists -- Certified Security Solutions -- Dr. MORAWIETZ Consulting & Training -- Modulo Security Solutions -- Software Box -- Winvision Security Solutions Specialization Excellence Award Winners -- Convergent Computing -- Modulo Security Solutions Small Business Specialist

The Small Business Specialist Award is for Microsoft Small Business Specialists that demonstrate the innovation of deploying a Microsoft-based solution in a business with fewer than 50 employees or fewer than 25 PCs. Key Microsoft products in the small-business solutions stack include Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003, Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006, Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Microsoft Dynamics(TM) CRM 3.0 Small Business Edition and Microsoft Small Business Financials.

Small Business Specialist Sales and Marketing Partner of the Year Finalists

-- AXXIS Technology -- Evolve Technologies -- IT Matters -- Netforce

Small Business Specialist Technology Innovation Partner of the Year Finalists

-- FWConsulting -- Idealsoft -- Interprom -- Vigence About Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference

Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference provides Microsoft's partner community with access to key marketing and business strategies, leadership, and information regarding specific customer solutions designed to help partners succeed in the marketplace. Along with informative learning opportunities covering sales, marketing, services and technology, the Worldwide Partner Conference is an ideal setting for partners to garner valuable knowledge from their peers and from Microsoft. More information can be found at https://www.microsoft.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft, BizTalk, Visual Studio, Windows Mobile, Windows, Windows Server and Windows Server System are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: CNNMoney.com