NetApp Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program
Sunnyvale, Calif. – November 1, 2004 -- Network Appliance, Inc., the leader in advanced networked storage solutions for today’s data-intensive enterprise, today announced it has attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions recognizing NetApp expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified partner, NetApp 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.
“It is critical to our customers that we deliver storage solutions that align with the architecture of core Microsoft technologies, and we remain focused on delivering industry-leading storage solutions that support our commitment to the Windows platform,” said Patrick Rogers, vice president of Solutions and Alliance Marketing at Network Appliance. “Achieving Gold Certified Partner status demonstrates our commitment and will allow us to continue to enhance the storage solutions we provide for customers.”
“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 NetApp 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, NetApp 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. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry.
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 Integration Server design and deployment solutions or Microsoft Exchange Server migration or deployment solutions. Because customers are increasingly asking to do more with less, partners with the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency can identify their unique skill in helping customers access management solutions, improving operational efficiency and reducing security risks.
“Our industry partners allow us to deliver high-quality solutions and applications to our customers. And we’re always looking at ways to improve our relationships,” said Paul Flessner, senior vice president of the Server Platform Division at Microsoft. “Solutions Competencies enable Microsoft to provide resources and training to partners seeking to meet, and even surpass, customer needs. The competencies also provide industry partners with a way to showcase their expertise to customers who depend on them for services, such as building their critical infrastructure needs such as storage and hosting solutions.”
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 Network Appliance
Network Appliance is a world leader in unified storage solutions for today’s data-intensive enterprise. Since its inception in 1992, Network Appliance has delivered technology, product, and partner firsts that continue to drive “The evolution of storage.™” Information about Network Appliance™ solutions and services is available at www.netapp.com.
Press Contacts:
Jaime Leigh Le
Network Appliance, Inc.
(408) 822-3761
jle@netapp.com
