Vertical TeleVantage is the company’s award-winning IP-PBX phone system, which Vertical designed to work seamlessly with Microsoft solutions that are in use in small and medium-sized businesses. Feature-rich and standards-based, TeleVantage helps organizations enhance customer service, increase operational productivity and improve business results.

“Becoming a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner reflects our recognized expertise and proven success in incorporating Microsoft technology into our IP-PBX solutions, and in delivering next-generation phone systems and voice applications to Microsoft customers,” said Chris Brookins, senior vice president of Development at Vertical Communications. “The benefits provided through our Microsoft Gold Certified status will allow us to continue to enhance the solutions we deliver to Microsoft customers.”

“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 advisor 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 Vertical 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 Certification Status, Vertical 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.

Vertical Communications declared and achieved competency in both ISV/Software and Networking Infrastructure Solutions. Vertical also was certified as compliant with the “Designed for Microsoft CRM,” “Windows Server” and “SQL Server” platform tests. Testing of Vertical products was conducted by Microsoft’s independent testing organization, VeriTest®, a division of Lionbridge® Technologies, Inc.

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 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.”

Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proved their competency in implementing technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server Ô 2003 or Windows Ò 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 fine and print capabilities.

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.