REDMOND, Wash., April 17, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the finalists for its annual awards that recognize the expertise of Microsoft® Solution Providers, firms that develop and implement software solutions using Microsoft products and technologies. The finalists, selected from more than 240 entries, will compete in nine categories ranging from application development and training expertise to systems migration and philanthropic efforts.
“These companies are creating some of the most compelling and innovative business solutions available today,” said Sam Jadallah, vice president of the organization customer unit at Microsoft. “Each year we look forward to recognizing the most outstanding solutions in the industry – Microsoft Solution Providers that are leading the way in addressing both the technology and business needs of customers.”
Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and CEO, and Microsoft executives will announce the winners on May 4 in Orlando, Fla., at the international Fusion 97 Business Symposium for Microsoft Solution Providers. Award winners will be selected by Microsoft and industry leaders including Bob Faletra, editor in chief of Computer Reseller News; John Russell, editor in chief of Reseller Management magazine; Rich March, associate publisher of VARBusiness magazine; and Bob Cohen, president of the Association of Microsoft Solution Providers.
Nine Award Categories Recognize Excellence and Innovation
Microsoft will present a total of nine awards to its Solution Providers:
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Best Web Site Solution
will be awarded to the company that develops a Web site with the strongest customer or service focus, and/or that most enhances a client’s business. The finalists for this award are American Credit Indemnity, Baltimore; Bay Dweller Inc., Grand Prairie, Texas; and Component Software International, Mason, Ohio. -
Best Intranet Solution will be awarded to the business with an innovative intranet product that most improves a client’s productivity, efficiency or cost savings. The finalists for this award are The Clarity Group Inc., North Andover, Mass.; Itautec Philcom S.A., Sao Paulo, Brazil; Hypermedia Systems, Budapest, Hungary; Multimedia Resource Group, New York; and Zeal Inc., Northbrook, Ill.
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Best Business Solution will be awarded to the firm that develops and implements superior business applications that address specific customer needs using standard programming languages. The finalists for this award are DORN Technology Group
Inc., Livonia, Mich.; Edgewater Technology Inc., Wakefield, Mass.; H.R. Management Software GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany; and Integrated Computer Management, Roseland, N.J. -
Best Solution for Microsoft BackOffice
™ will be awarded to the company that develops and implements the best business solutions that address specific customer needs, excluding migrations, using components of the Microsoft BackOffice family.
The finalists for this award are Ericsson Inc., Cypress, Calif.; Great Plains Software
Inc., Fargo, N.D.; and Interactive Systems International, St. Rose, La. -
Best Migration to Microsoft Windows NT
®
or Microsoft BackOffice will be awarded to the business that completes the most efficient and trouble-free migration to a Microsoft product from that of a competitor, such as the transition from a non-Microsoft operating system to the Windows NT operating system. The finalists for this award are Noblestar Systems, Falls Church, Va.; Sequoia Diversified Products, Auburn Hills, Mich.; TBA Informatica LTDA, Brasilia, Brazil; and USDATA Corp., Richardson, Texas. -
Best Philanthropic Solution will be awarded to the firm that develops the best solution for a charitable or nonprofit organization. The finalists for this award are Microworks, Ottawa; Mallorn Information Systems Innovators, Kanata, Canada; and Strohl Systems, King of Prussia, Pa.
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Best Solution by Solution Developer will be awarded to the company with the best packaged software products for a vertical and/or horizontal market. Finalists for this award are ICL Retail Systems, Dallas; PC DOCS Inc., Burlington, Mass.; and Pivotal Software Inc., North Vancouver, Canada.
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Excellence in Training will be awarded to the Authorized Technical Education Center (ATEC) or Microsoft Online Institute (MOLI) Training Provider that provides the best value-added training, and whose training results in a customer’s successful use or adoption of the BackOffice family of products. The finalists for this award are CompuEducation, SA de CV, Mexico City; IKON Office Solutions – Technology Services, Troy, Mich.; MIDAK, Phoenix; and TeKnowlogy Education Centers, Dallas.
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Microsoft Solution Provider Partner of the Year award will be presented to the Microsoft Solution Provider that most embodies what it means to team with Microsoft. Nominated only by Microsoft field representatives, the finalists for this award are ACTIUM, Wexford, Pa; New Technology Partners Inc., Bedford, N.H.; and Sequoia Diversified Products, Auburn Hills, Mich.
Award Winners to Receive Recognition, Publicity
Jadallah and Gates will congratulate the winners at the awards ceremony on Sunday evening, May 4, to the Fusion 97 audience of 2,000 Microsoft Solution Providers from around the world. In addition, Microsoft will showcase the award winners and their work in advertisements in major business and industry trade publications and on the Partnering With Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/partnering/microsoft/default.asp
“Our Microsoft Solution Providers are technology leaders who exemplify the model of building customer solutions on the Microsoft platform,” said Steven Fox, Microsoft Solution Provider program manager. “We look forward to touting their success and innovation to the entire industry.”
Every day, nearly 13,000 Microsoft Solution Providers apply Microsoft technologies to business challenges in 49 countries around the world. They do so with the help of more than 105,000 Microsoft Certified Professionals who have proven expertise in designing, implementing and supporting solutions using Microsoft products and technologies.
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, BackOffice and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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