Company among top 1 percent of Microsoft Partners worldwide
TULSA, Okla., March 12, 2012 – Stonebridge, the award-winning information technology consulting firm, today announced that it has successfully achieved recertification for its seven (7) Microsoft Gold and Silver Competencies. With the renewal, Stonebridge retains the distinction of being in the top 1 percent of Microsoft partners worldwide that have reached this proficiency level in Microsoft solution development.
“Although Microsoft’s recertification process is rigorous and demanding, achieving it each year gives us a distinct competitive advantage in the Microsoft consulting market,” said Doug Benshoof, Stonebridge Vice President of Application Development Services, and who oversees the company’s annual Microsoft Partner Renewal and Certification process.
“Our clients can take comfort in the knowledge that their Microsoft projects are being delivered by a company that is a member of an elite group of expert solution providers specializing in the delivery of Microsoft-powered business solutions,” Benshoof said.
Stonebridge holds Microsoft Gold Competencies in four defined solution areas: Business Intelligence, Content Management, Portals and Collaboration, and Software Development. The company also has achieved Microsoft Silver Competencies in three areas: Data Platform, Search and Web Development.
According to the Microsoft Partner website, Gold Competencies demonstrate best-in-class expertise within the Microsoft marketplace. “Earning a Gold Competency is evidence of the deepest, most consistent commitment to a specific, in-demand business solution area, along with the distinction of being among only 1 percent of Microsoft partners worldwide that have attained this outstanding degree of proficiency.”
Last year Microsoft significantly increased the requirements for achieving and maintaining its advanced Gold and Silvery Competencies. The new criteria include advanced technical certifications of consulting staff, performance assessments of business development and project personnel, revenue commitments, implementation methodology certification and client references.
According to Benshoof, the client reference requirement of the Microsoft recertification process is a critical component.
“Getting positive client evaluations is where the rubber meets the road,” Benshoof said. “If we do not perform at a high level for our clients, our clients will not give us a positive Microsoft evaluation, and then we cannot maintain our Microsoft certifications. It really is as simple as that. At the end of the day, our performance on the job is the most critical factor in our ability to maintain our Microsoft Partner status.”
About Stonebridge
Stonebridge is an information technology consulting firm focused on helping organizations harness the power of their people, processes and technology. Our clients look to us as a strategic partner with a shared commitment to achieving their business objectives and maximizing their business performance. Founded in 1995 on a commitment to establishing high-value strategic alliances with our clients, Stonebridge has provided business solutions to organizations in all major industries, representing private, public, government, and non-profit entities. For additional information about Stonebridge, visit our website at www.sbconsulting.com.