HERNDON, Va., May 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ePlus inc. (Nasdaq:PLUS) announced today that its subsidiary, ePlus Technology, inc. has achieved Gold Competencies in Portals and Collaboration, Unified Communications, and Virtualization in the Microsoft Partner Network, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft customers' evolving needs in today's dynamic business environment. To earn a Microsoft Gold Competency, organizations must complete a rigorous set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, have a requisite number of Microsoft Certified Professionals, submit customer references, and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction by participating in an annual survey.
In addition, ePlus Technology has achieved Microsoft Silver Competencies in Application Integration, Business Intelligence, Data Platform, Midmarket Solution Provider, OEM Hardware, Server Platform, and Web Development. To earn a Microsoft Silver Competency, partners must complete a set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, submit customer references, and employ or contract the requisite number of Microsoft Certified Professionals who are skilled in the current technology relevant for the competency.
"Achieving multiple Gold and Silver Competencies establishes us as a true market leader, further demonstrating our commitment to serving the needs of customers relying on Microsoft-based solutions," said Jerry McIntosh, vice president of advanced technology solutions for ePlus Technology. "We look forward to helping our customers realize their full potential by continuing to focus our areas of technology expertise in response to today's business needs—especially related to building out cloud services and enhancing collaboration and mobility."
"The Microsoft Partner Network is designed to empower solution providers to succeed in today's business environment. By achieving the prestigious Gold Competency, participating companies are provided with a rich set of benefits, including increased customer visibility through branding and accessibility, training, and support," said Jon Roskill, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. "We are proud to put forth a program that provides the right resources to help a company develop the expertise customers demand in today's competitive market and also provides the community and infrastructure that can connect them to one another, lowering costs for all parties."
ePlus has extensive experience designing and delivering Microsoft solutions for customers across the United States. As a Microsoft National Systems Integrator, ePlus has the highest level of authorization and privileged access to Microsoft subject matter experts. ePlus' Microsoft certified engineers (who hold 50+ certifications including Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified IT Professionals, and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists) have attained a level of expertise to provide a variety of services, from assessment to design, planning, deployment, and support. More information about ePlus' Microsoft practice can be found at http://www.eplus.com/microsoft.
The Microsoft Gold Competency signifies to the market that a company has demonstrated the highest level of skill and achievement within a given technology specialization. The Microsoft Silver Competency defines partners' success as technology market leaders within a specific technology competency, with each competency having a unique set of requirements and benefits formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the industry.
The Microsoft Partner Network is designed to equip organizations that deliver products and services through the Microsoft platform with the training, resources and support they need to provide their customers superior experience and outcomes.
About ePlus inc.
ePlus is a leading provider of technology solutions. ePlus enables organizations to optimize their IT infrastructure and supply chain processes by delivering world-class IT products from top manufacturers, professional services, flexible lease financing, proprietary software, and patented business methods. Founded in 1990, ePlus has more than 700 associates in 20+ locations serving federal, state, municipal, and commercial customers. The Company is headquartered in Herndon, VA. For more information, visit http://www.eplus.com, call 888-482-1122, or email info@eplus.com.
ePlus® and ePlus products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ePlus inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements." Actual and anticipated future results may vary materially due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, possible adverse effects resulting from the recent financial crisis in the credit markets and general slowdown of the U.S. economy such as our current and potential customers delaying or reducing technology purchases, increasing credit risk associated with our customers and vendors, reduction of vendor incentive programs, and restrictions on our access to capital necessary to fund our operations; significant adverse changes in, reductions in, or losses of relationships with major customers or vendors; the demand for and acceptance of, our products and services; our ability to adapt our services to meet changes in market developments; the impact of competition in our markets; the possibility of defects in our products or catalog content data; our ability to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel; our ability to consummate and integrate acquisitions; and other risks or uncertainties detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and ePlus undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.