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The Welcom Software Group of Companies further distinguishes itself by earning Microsoft Competency in Business Process and Integration Solutions and Custom Development Solutions.

(Harrogate, North Yorkshire, 10th September 2007) The Welcom Software Group, supplier of class leading solutions in e-commerce, financial accounting, retail and loan management, today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Business Process and Integration Solutions and Custom Development Solutions. This recognises the Welcom Software Group’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, The Welcom Software Group has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and 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.

Nigel Corp, Chief Operating Officer of the Welcom Software Group, said “Being awarded Gold Certified Partner Status is a huge achievement for everyone in the Group and offers significant benefits to both ourselves and our clients. Attaining the highest level in the Microsoft Partner Program provides us with additional resources to enhance our service to clients present and future, as well as prestigious recognition of our high standards.”

“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 recognises The Welcom Software Group 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, The Welcom Software Group had to declare one or more Microsoft Competencies. 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.

The Business Process and Integration Competency is designed for Microsoft Certified and Gold Certified Partners with proven proficiency in implementing and deploying server-based portals for driving Internet commerce and business applications using Microsoft tools and software. Delivering the high levels of reliability and availability needed for business-to-customer Web sites requires not only great technology but also the competency to plan, deploy, support and migrate those solutions. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in this competency have demonstrated knowledge of, and experience with, the deployment of Internet-based solutions and infrastructure using Microsoft tools and software.

The Custom Development Solutions Competency is designed for technology partners providing custom-built solutions for clients that require value-added capabilities to optimise business opportunities. Specialisations within the competency are Application Infrastructure Development, Smart Client Development and Web Development.

“Our developer partners enable us to deliver high-quality solutions and applications to our customers,” said Nick Abbott, group manager in the .NET Developer Product Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “As the demand for applications built on the Microsoft platform continues to grow, there are more opportunities for providers of custom-developed applications than ever before. The Custom Development Solution Competency provides partners with a way to showcase their expertise delivering custom-built solutions to customers, enhancing partners’ revenue opportunities and positioning them for growth.”

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 recognises partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful.

The Welcom Software Group was established in 2007, following the strategic acquisition of e-InBusiness, the leading e-commerce and online marketing specialist, and the founding of a new Leadership and Change Consultancy called 2inspire.

Welcom Software itself was founded in 1978 and is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The company specialises in providing leading edge business software solutions, both customised and off the shelf, to the retail, supply chain and finance sectors, becoming one of the leading suppliers of technology-based services in their sector.

In April 2007, the Welcom Software Group was strengthened through the acquisition of e-inbusiness, based in Maidenhead. Famed for creating award-winning next generation e-commerce sites using EIBCommerce, a 'best of breed e-commerce platform based on Microsoft Commerce Server, e-inbusiness enables businesses to develop their online brand appeal and achieve the maximum return for their investment.