onShore Networks Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program

    CHICAGO, IL, March 17, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- onShore Networks, completeIT services, today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing onShore's expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, onShore Networks has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and a proven 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 channel.

onShore Networks has been providing technical IT services to the Chicago area since 1991. They are experienced with all facets of technology for business. The Network Integration (NI) services team is fully versed with Microsoft products they recommend and incorporate into solutions to their customers. In addition, onShore Networks is a full-service Internet Service Provider (ISP). They provide connectivity via T1's, T3's, OC3's, OC12's, Ethernet, and Wireless, which they manage and monitor 24x7x365, to their customers. onShore Networks recently upgraded their core network to an OC48 which will allow them to continue to provide the level of service their customers demand. Finally, onShore Networks has a full-service onGuard Managed Security Services team which allows them to provide a high level of security expertise to properly manage potential security threats to their customers networks.

"We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers," said Nick Valavanis, Chief Operating Officer. "The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for customers."

"Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities," said Allison Watson, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Partner 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 onShore Networks as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology."

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, onShore Networks 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. Within select Competencies, there are Specializations that focus on specific solution areas that recognize deeper expertise within that Competency. Serving as a specialized path to earning those Competencies, Specializations give direct access to the tools and resources that support that specific area of focus.

Microsoft partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proven their proficiency in implementing solutions based on Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 Operating Systems, or Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008. 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, which help us deliver solutions and applications to customers," said Ward Ralston, group product manager for Windows Server at Microsoft Corp. "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 broad knowledge of building wide-ranging solutions based on Microsoft technologies, such as setting up networks using Windows Server 2008 and the Windows Essential Server Solutions product line."

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 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 onShore Networks

onShore Networks is a leading provider of computer network integration services to the Chicago-land area. Its expertise includes designing and implementing local and wide area networks (LANs/WANs), delivering and managing systems running Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS X or Linux Operating Systems, network security monitoring and management including Managed Security Services, onSite technical support and internet connectivity (ISP) services. In addition to its NI and ISP business, onShore's Residential Technology Services (RTS) team designs, builds and manages multi-tenant data networks (MDNs), for delivery of internet connectivity, TV and phone services, in high-rise buildings.

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For more information, press only:

Nick Valavanis
onShore Networks, LLC
1407 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60642
312-850-5200 x126
[email protected]
www.onShore.com

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