Member Article

TSG wins Microsoft gold award for cloud computing

A North East based national IT solutions specialist has secured its latest accolade from global technology giant Microsoft with a highest gold award for its experience and knowledge in cloud computing solutions.

Technology Services Group (TSG) has been awarded the “Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions” Gold Status competency adding to its already impressive haul and re-affirming its position as experts in the industry.

Mark Joynson, managing director for the North at TSG, said: “We’re seeing more and more businesses consider cloud-based IT solutions as we have already deployed Microsoft Office 365 for thousands of users this year.

“For some the imminent demise of Windows Server 2003 support in July is prompting a look at Microsoft Office 365 as the modern technology platform on which to drive their business forward. For others, growth or relocation brings about a review of the IT strategy and moving to this technology can offer longer-term benefits for businesses.

“Some customers are implementing a fully cloud-based approach whilst for others the most appropriate answer may be a hybrid solution. So the cloud isn’t necessarily the perfect solution for everyone.

“What is important is that businesses understand the options available to them and find a partner with the breadth of experience and expertise to support the most effective implementation.”

Microsoft Office 365 is more than just the latest versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It bridges seamlessly across all areas of ICT from applications and productivity tools to infrastructure and communications.

Subscriptions can also include Microsoft SharePoint and Lync, soon to be rebadged Skype for Business. These are technologies that have been used by large enterprises for more than a decade to streamline processes and manage information and until now have been beyond the reach of smaller businesses.

Paul Burns, national technical director at TSG, said Microsoft Office 365 allowed smaller businesses access to technologies previously only affordable by larger organisations.

“By understanding the full array of products available with such a modern technology platform businesses really have the potential to transform. And that’s before considering cost-savings, flexibility and mobility,” he said.

“It’s all about working more effectively, sharing information and improving communication and collaboration with colleagues; wherever they are.

“A lot of IT companies will specialise in specific elements of Microsoft’s suite of products such as CRM or SharePoint. With expertise across everything from business applications to complex infrastructure and connectivity, we’re perfectly placed at TSG to guide businesses through their adoption of Microsoft Office 365 – especially if it’s their first step in to the Cloud,” Paul added.

Microsoft’s competencies are awarded to their partners who have the proven skills and experience in that area to set them apart from the competition and Gold Status demonstrates “Best in Class” capability.

TSG holds six gold competencies, which are earned by demonstrating successful projects through customer references as well as passing technical and sales assessments. Gold status competencies are not a permanent honour as the requirements to achieve and maintain them change every year, therefore partners must constantly train and develop their people to ensure the essential skills are in place to meet the criteria.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah French .