PRESS RELEASE
CRI Advantage, Inc. Attains Gold Certified Partner Status In Microsoft Partner Program
CRI Advantage Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies
In Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, Information Worker Productivity Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions
Boise, Idaho (Tuesday, May 24, 2005) — CRI Advantage, a leading IT consulting company in the Pacific Northwest announced it has attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, Information Worker Productivity Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions. As a Gold Certified partner, CRI Advantage has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers’ needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Since 1988, CRI Advantage has been consistent in their business approach providing technology solutions to Fortune 500 firms, small and medium businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions in the areas of Infrastructure, Enterprise Systems and Messaging.
“Earning the prestigious Gold Certified Partner status is a tremendous milestone for CRI Advantage,” said Gary Brookshier, President and CEO of CRI Advantage. “It further validates our ability to leverage Microsoft technologies in a practical, innovative manner that enables value-added solutions for our clients.”
“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities. They need to trust in someone that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “Today, Microsoft recognizes CRI Advantage as a new Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft products and technology.”
As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Status, CRI Advantage had to declare a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. CRI Advantage is unique because they are Gold in three competency areas:
The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency is designed for partners with proven expertise in designing and/or implementing complex infrastructure solutions such as Active Directory®-based and Microsoft Exchange Server migration or deployment solutions.
The Information Worker Productivity Solutions Competency is designed to provide additional benefit and support to partners specializing in collaboration, portals and other productivity solutions. CRI Advantage is able to provide their customers with solutions built on familiar programs that enable them to better manage and prioritize information through increased collaboration.
The Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency has proved that CRI Advantage is competent in implementing technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 or Windows® 2000 Server operating system, with a particular focus on Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 and Windows Small Business Server 2003. These implementations may include crafting solutions that connect Windows-based servers, PC locations and the Internet; installing a server farm; or building a small-business Windows Server stand-alone solution that includes file and print capabilities.
“This distinguished Microsoft award reflects the work of the knowledgeable and dedicated employees of CRI Advantage who diligently worked to exceed customer expectations by using Microsoft technology on a daily basis,” added Platt Thompson, CRI Advantage’s VP of Services.
The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in December 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful.
About CRI Advantage
Boise-based CRI Advantage, Inc. is the leading IT consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest. Since 1988, we have provided business-driven technology solutions to Fortune 500 firms, small and medium business, government agencies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions around the world. CRI Advantage provides packaged solutions, full lifecycle development services, immediate resource assistance and managed services in the following service areas: Infrastructure (Platform, Storage, Infrastructure Security), Enterprise Systems (Data Management, Business Applications, Portals & Collaboration) and Messaging (Microsoft Exchange). For more information please go to: www.criadvantage.com
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CRI Advantage is a registered trademark of CRI Advantage, Inc. The other company names or products mentioned are or may be trademarks of their respective owners.