Microsoft names top partners

Nearly 50 of South Africa’s top ICT companies have been named as finalists in Microsoft’s Partner Network Awards 2010, which will be handed over at a gala dinner at Sun City on Thursday 2 September.

The awards, across 30 categories, recognise Microsoft partners that delivered exemplary solutions for their customers during the past year across a range of categories. The finalists were chosen from hundreds of entries submitted by partners across the country.

The awards coincide with Microsoft’s annual Partner Summit event, which runs from 1-3 September. At the event, the software maker lays out its technology and business roadmap for the coming year to its partners, and highlights areas of innovation that will benefit end users.

Mark Reynolds, head of the small business and partner division at Microsoft South Africa, said the standard of entries received for the awards was among the highest ever. The judging process was also more stringent and transparent than in previous years, with finalists having to come through a grueling two-round process that included face-to-face presentations to a panel.

“We’re in the middle of a massive wave of transformation in the technology industry, but one thing remains constant for us: our partners are the core of Microsoft’s business model. That will never change,” said Reynolds.

“What the list of finalists shows us that partners who put in the hard work and commitment are generally the most successful in their fields. The industry is an exciting place to be right now, which was highlighted by the fact that Partner Summit was sold out some time ago, and we’re looking forward to a great event,” he said.

The full list of finalists can be found at https://secure.mseventssa.co.za/partnerawards2010