IT solutions specialists Technology Services Group (TSG) is celebrating achieving a magnificent seventh top rating from global technology giant Microsoft.
As a strategic member of the Microsoft Partner Network, TSG has strengthened its position with the latest “best in class” Gold Status Competency to add to its impressive haul of six awards.
The competencies are Microsoft’s recognition to partners who have the proven skills and experience in a particular area, setting them apart from competitors and re-affirming to their customers that TSG are experts in what they do.
Of Microsoft’s 650,000 partners worldwide, less than one per cent are regarded highly enough to hold a single gold competency.
Newcastle-based TSG’s seventh gold competency has been awarded in the cloud productivity area, the company’s second cloud-specific award.
Phil Sorgen, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp, said: “By achieving a gold competency partners have demonstrated the highest, most consistent capability and commitment to the latest Microsoft technology.
“These partners have a deep expertise that puts them in the top one per cent of our partner ecosystem and their proficiency will help customers drive innovative solutions on the latest Microsoft technology.”
TSG’s chief executive David Stonehouse added: “Picking up our seventh Gold Status Competency, whilst actively retaining the other six, demonstrates to our customers that we go that extra mile to show we are trusted, expert advisors for our key strategic partners.
“A lot of our customers rely heavily on Microsoft’s product stack. Achieving all these Microsoft Gold Status competencies reflects our continued investment in helping customers get the most out of Microsoft’s portfolio of products.”
David said cloud technology was a significant part of TSG’s future business strategy.
“We can see that, when used appropriately, it can really add value to our customers’ businesses. This news shows that the professionalism and knowledge of our staff can not only be recognised by our customers but is also at a level high enough to receive the highest accolade from the likes of Microsoft,” he added.
TSG’s seven Microsoft Gold Status Competencies complement its end-to-end servicing across the ITC spectrum of products and cover Collaboration and Content, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Midmarket Solution Provider, Datacentre, Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions, and Cloud Productivity.
David Filmer, TSG’s training and development manager added: “For TSG to be awarded seven gold competencies is truly an incredible achievement.
“The renewal has been a genuine team effort with colleagues from across the business developing skills, studying for and passing certifications across Microsoft products such as Dynamics CRM, Windows Server, Office 365, Windows, SQL, SharePoint and System Centre.”
The requirements of Gold Status Competencies change every year and require continual training and development of people to ensure the essential skills are in place to meet the criteria.
TSG is planning further efforts for the coming financial year to maintain and build on its success.