Saflink Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:00 AM ET
Saflink Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies In Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, ISV/Software Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions
BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Saflink(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: SFLK), a leading provider of solutions for secure access, identity assurance and productivity, today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, Independent Software Vendor (ISV)/Software Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing Saflink's expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, Saflink has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven its 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. "Saflink has an extensive history in working closely with Microsoft to deliver fully integrated products to customers," said Glenn Argenbright, CEO of Saflink. "Obtaining Gold Certified Partner status not only validates Saflink's ability to build products based on Microsoft technologies, but allows the company to further differentiate itself from competitors in an increasingly crowded security market." "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 Saflink 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 Partner status, Saflink 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. Advanced Infrastructure Solutions The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency is designed for partners with proven expertise in designing and/or implementing complex infrastructure solutions such as Active Directory(R)-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." ISV/Software Solutions The Microsoft ISV/Software Solutions Competency recognizes the skill and focus partners bring to a particular solution set. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners that have obtained this competency have a successful record of developing and marketing packed software based on Microsoft technologies. "Solutions Competencies are an important way for Microsoft to better enable ISVs to meet customer needs," said Sanjay Parthasarathy, corporate vice president of the Platform Strategy & Partner Group at Microsoft. "They allow ISVs to keep and win customers with their deep knowledge of solutions-based Microsoft platform technologies. Microsoft has a long history of working closely with ISV partners to help deliver compelling solutions and applications to our mutual customers, and the Solutions Competencies are an important step in continuing to enhance vital relationships with ISVs worldwide." Networking Infrastructure Solutions Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proven their competency in implementing technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003 or Windows(R) 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. "We place tremendous value on our partners, who help us deliver solutions and applications to customers," said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft. "Solutions Competencies provide an integrated partnering framework that recognizes an enterprise's expertise and rewards it for the effect it has in the technology marketplace. It also allows companies to demonstrate for customers their knowledge of building solutions based on Microsoft technologies, such as setting up networks using Windows Server 2003 and Windows Small Business Server 2003." 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 Saflink Saflink Corporation offers biometric security and smart card solutions that protect intellectual property, secure information assets and eliminate passwords. Saflink Identity Assurance Management solutions allow administrators to verify identity and control access to computer networks, physical facilities and applications. Winner of six awards in 2005, Saflink and its solutions have been recognized by organizations such as Frost & Sullivan and Software Magazine's Software 500. For more information, please visit http://www.saflink.com or call 800-762-9595. NOTE: "Saflink" is a registered trademark of Saflink Corporation. "Microsoft" is a Registered Trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Saflink PRESS CONTACT: Sterling Communications Lindsay Stril 253-853-5030 lstril@sterlingpr.com
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SOURCE Saflink Corporation
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