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 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
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
Investor Awareness, Inc.
Tony Schor
847-945-2222
tony@investorawareness.com
SOURCE Saflink Corporation
