Spanlink Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program

Spanlink Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies in
Networking Infrastructure and Information Worker Solutions

MINNEAPOLIS, July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Spanlink Communications, Inc., a
leading provider of contact center and unified communications (UC) solutions
based on VoIP technology, today announced it has attained Gold Certified
Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in
Information Worker and Networking Infrastructure Solutions. As a Gold
Certified Partner, Spanlink has demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft
technologies and has proven its ability to meet customers' needs.
Based in Minneapolis with 50 regional offices across the United States,
Canada and Europe, Spanlink has 20 years of business communications and
customer interaction solution experience and a rich history in transforming
enterprise and call center communications to deliver substantial business
results. With nearly 1,500 sites deployed, Spanlink helps companies
effectively integrate UC solutions by applying expert consulting, deployment,
integration and managed services to tailor each customer's solution and
support plan to their unique business needs. In addition to securing Gold
Certified Partner Status in the Microsoft Partner Program, Spanlink is also a
Cisco Master Certified Unified Communications Partner.
"By attaining Gold Certified Partner status, Spanlink is now recognized
for superior technical skills and customer support by both Cisco and
Microsoft, a rare combination in our industry today," said Brett Shockley, CEO
of Spanlink Communications. "We expect most large customer solutions to
include a mix of Microsoft and Cisco Unified Communications technologies.
Holding these important certifications demonstrates Spanlink's expertise in
developing and deploying solutions based on the industry's leading unified
communications technologies."
"Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap
between their business demands and technology capabilities," said Allison
Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at
Microsoft Corp. "They need to trust in a company 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. Today, Microsoft recognizes Spanlink as a new Gold Certified
Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using
Microsoft products and technology."
As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status,
Spanlink had to declare at least one Microsoft Competency. 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. Spanlink has secured two competencies, including Information Worker
Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions.
Partners that have obtained the Information Worker Solutions Competency
can help their customers realize increased service revenues and new market
opportunities. Specializations within the competency are Enterprise Project
Management, Messaging and Collaboration, Office System Desktop Development,
and Portals and Enterprise Content Management.
Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the Networking
Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proved their expertise 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.
Microsoft launched the Microsoft Partner Program in October 2003. The
program represents Microsoft's ongoing commitment to the success of partners
worldwide and 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 Spanlink Communications, Inc.
Spanlink Communications is a leading provider of unified communications
and customer interaction solutions leveraging Cisco's technology. With 20
years experience and nearly 1,500 sites deployed, Spanlink helps companies
exploit the benefits of virtual unified communications networks for business
transformation. Spanlink applies expert consulting, deployment, integration
and managed services to tailor each customer's solution and support plan to
its business needs for transformational business improvements in productivity,
efficiency and customer satisfaction. Spanlink is a Master certified Cisco
partner serving mid-size businesses and large enterprises. Find news and
information at http://www.spanlink.com.
SOURCE Spanlink Communications, Inc.

Vicki Kallhoff of Spanlink Communications, +1-763-971-2260,
vicki.kallhoff@spanlink.com