Magstar Earns Certified Partner Status in
Microsoft Partner Program
“Only companies that have
demonstrated high levels of customer service, proved their
experience and attained advanced certification receive the
designation of Microsoft Certified Partner”
Magstar’s new TOTAL RETAIL® KPI
(Key Performance Indicator) Dashboard uses Microsoft® SQL
Server™ 2005 and Windows® SharePoint® Team
Services.
Toronto, February 2, 2006
Magstar Inc., today announced it has
earned certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program, which
recognizes Magstar’s expertise and impact in the retail
technology marketplace. As a Certified Partner, Magstar has
demonstrated expertise with Microsoft-based technologies and
ability to meet customer needs. Microsoft Certified Partners
receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and
support.
Founded in 1985, Magstar develops and
provides fully integrated, enterprise-wide retail management
software with related professional services to small to
mid-sized hard-line, soft-line and specialty operations
throughout the USA, Canada and the Caribbean Basin. For the
sixth consecutive year, retailers have selected Magstar as a
Top 20 retail software vendor in the 2005 RIS News Leaderboard
vendor performance survey.
“Only companies that have
demonstrated high levels of customer service, proved their
experience and attained advanced certification receive the
designation of Microsoft Certified Partner,” said Allison
Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and
Marketing Group at Microsoft Corporation. “Today,
Microsoft recognizes Magstar for its skills and expertise in
providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft software and
technology.”
In addition to earning certified status,
Magstar has declared a Microsoft Competency in ISV/Software
Solutions. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help
differentiate a technology partner’s capabilities with
specific Microsoft-based 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 technology
partners bring to the technology industry.
“Microsoft Competencies enable
Microsoft to provide additional resources and training to
technology partners. The competencies help differentiate
Microsoft technology partners’ capabilities with
Microsoft-based technologies and each competency has its own
requirements to reflect the skills required to bring services
to customers,” said Lora Gernon, Director of Partner
Sales, Microsoft Canada Co. “We are pleased that Magstar
has obtained ISV Software Solution Competency, as each
competency gained by a Microsoft technology partner shows
dedication and experience with a specific solution area and
provide industry partners with a way to showcase their
demonstrated expertise to customers.”
The Microsoft ISV/Software Solutions
Competency recognizes the skill and focus that technology
partners bring to a particular solution set. Microsoft
Certified Partners that have obtained this competency have a
record of developing and marketing packaged software based on
Microsoft-based technologies.
“We are extremely pleased to have
earned certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program. The
certified status helps us to promote our expertise and
relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said Paul
Becker, Director of Marketing at Magstar. “The benefits
provided through our certified membership will allow us to
continue to enhance the offerings that we provide to our
customers.
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The Microsoft Partner Program was launched
in December 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing
commitment to the success of technology partners worldwide. The
Microsoft Partner Program offers a single, integrated framework
that recognizes technology partner expertise, rewards the total
impact technology partners have in the technology marketplace,
and delivers more value to help technology partners’
businesses be successful.
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