REDMOND, Wash., July 3, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. recently announced Praxa Pty Ltd. of Australia as the Microsoft® Solution Provider Partner of the Year. The award recognizes the Microsoft Solution Provider organization that most embodies what it means to partner with Microsoft. A total of eight Microsoft Solution Providers received recognition in a variety of categories.
The awards were presented at the recent 1996 Microsoft Solution Provider Partner Strategy Briefing in Seattle. This is the second year the awards, voted on by Microsoft Systems Providers themselves, have been given.
Praxa was recognized by worldwide Microsoft Solution Providers for its longtime commitment to Microsoft and the Microsoft Solution Provider program. One of the original participants in the program, in 1993, Praxa has become Microsoft Australia’s strongest and most committed business partner.
Praxa has developed an aggressive training program and currently has 35 Microsoft Certified Professionals on staff; 12 have earned Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification and six have obtained Microsoft Certified Solution Developer certification.
In addition, Praxa has conducted more than 300 one-on-one customer briefings throughout Australia in the past two years on the Windows NT® Server network operating system, Microsoft Systems Management Server, Microsoft Exchange Server and the
Windows® 95 operating system.
“We’re moving away from the vision of Microsoft Solution Providers as third-party suppliers to one in which we recognize them for what they really are – members of the Microsoft team and a critical reason for our success,”
said Nancy Lewis, director of channel programs, education and certification at Microsoft.
“Praxa and all the Microsoft Solution Providers that were recognized truly exemplify that relationship.”
Additional award categories and winners are described below.
Greatest Impact on a Customer’s Business: Edgewater Technology Inc. , Wakefield, Mass., was recognized for developing a solution that enabled the customer to realize the highest return on investment with payback in the least amount of time. The company developed the Christmas Network Tracking System (CNTS), which enables the U.S. Postal Service Logistics to monitor utilization of its dedicated air-transportation network during the Christmas mailing period. Tracking mail movements on the dedicated network provides the Postal Service with flexibility in adjusting its routing plans during the period of peak mail volume.
Most Effective 32-Bit Solution: Minerva Technology Inc. , Calgary, Alberta, Canada, developed the most effective business solution using Microsoft 32-bit desktop, server and tools technologies. Minerva developed the custom Feedlot Management System for use by the cattle industry, improving management control and customer service.
Most Innovative Internet Solution: The Devon Software Corp./Devon Group , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, received the award for the most innovative and creative use of the Internet to deliver a unique customer solution. Devon’s KyberPASS Authentication Server is being used by a large Canadian government department, Public Works and Government Services Canada. The solution provides the strong authentication and encryption services required for its clients and users to safely access the department’s common administrative systems using the Canadian government’s intranet and Internet network. KyberPASS uses public key technology to drive secure pipes through the Internet.
Most Effective Business Solution Integrating With the Microsoft BackOffice
™
Family: Expert and Partner Engineering , the Czech Republic, was recognized as the Microsoft Solution Provider delivering the most innovative solution that integrates with any of the Microsoft BackOffice product components. The application combines terminal emulation and a client/server counter system on behalf of the Czech Saving Bank, which has 78 district branches and 1,110 smaller branches and affiliates.
Best Systems Architecture Solution: Command Systems , Farmington, Conn., received the award for designing and delivering the most practical and cost-effective architecture solution for Microsoft Windows NT Server. The company developed a solution for the Connecticut Valley Electric Exchange’s Control Center using Windows NT Server and Microsoft Exchange Server. The solution brought disparate messaging and operational applications, along with project and task tracking, to a single communications platform.
Excellence in Education: QuickStart Technologies , Newport Beach, Calif., was recognized as the Microsoft Solution Provider that best used training in a presales situation leading to successful implementation of Microsoft Windows NT Server and Microsoft BackOffice products based on Microsoft Official Curriculum material. QuickStart Technologies worked with Edison International to support migration to Windows 95 using Microsoft Systems Management Server and Microsoft SQL Server
™
. The support included training employees on the benefits and uses of the products and conducting on-site training seminars.
Best Philanthropic Solution: Autodesk Inc. , San Rafael, Calif., received the award for its work in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City federal building bombing. A team of volunteer engineers and architects, as well as a GIS team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, used Autodesk® and Microsoft products to mass-produce floor plans, facilities management drawings and 3-D renderings of the building to identify the probable locations of casualties. Microsoft products used include Office, Windows NT Server and Microsoft SQL Server.
More than 63,000 Microsoft Certified Professionals worldwide provide proven expertise in designing, implementing and supporting solutions using Microsoft products and technologies. Staffed with these skilled professionals, more than 12,500 Microsoft Solution Providers – more than 12,700 organizations in 49 countries – are experts in applying Microsoft technology to business challenges.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows NT, Windows and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk Inc.
