Gold Certified partner status in Microsoft Partner Programme

Key Training Services attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Programme with a competency in learning solutions and network infrastructure last month, recognising Key Service's expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace.

As a Gold Certified partner, KTS 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 marketplace.

Key Services is an established ICT training centre in Msida. Its training portfolio is vast, ranging from training in ECDL and Microsoft applications in various levels, to training in Microsoft certifications and technologies.

Key Training Services offer training delivered by two Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT); Steve Casaletto, an MCT for the past 12 years, specialising in Microsoft Infrastructures and Security, and Alexey Glazirin, a .NET Developer Evangelist.

"We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Programme. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers," Mr Casaletto said.

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Status, Key Services had to declare a Microsoft Competency. 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. Key Services has declared competencies in learning solutions and network infrastructures.

Microsoft Partners with the learning solutions competency specialise in delivering high-end technical learning solutions to their customers. Earning this competency identifies members of Microsoft's premier commercial training and delivery channel, making it easier to expand the scope of services and market potential.

Microsoft Gold Certified Partners with the Learning Solutions Competency deliver a range of information technology and developer training services based on Microsoft technology.

Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proved their competency in implementing technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 or Windows® 2000 Server operating system, with a particular focus on Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 and Windows Small Business Server 2003.

These implementations may include crafting solutions that connect Windows-based servers, PC locations and the Internet; installing a server farm; or building a small-business Windows Server stand-alone solution that includes file and print capabilities.

Key Services has also achieved Microsoft Small Business Specialist status. A Microsoft Small Business Specialist has demonstrated capabilities to help small businesses implement solutions based on Microsoft technologies.

The Microsoft Partner Programme was launched in December 2003 and represents Microsoft's ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The programme 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.

MCTs at Key Training Services are currently furthering their studies to provide training in the new Microsoft certifications - Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, Microsoft Certified IT Professional and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer, all using Microsoft's new Technologies SQL Server 2005, BizTalk Server 2006 and Visual Studio 2005.

Key Training Services is the first Maltese company to have earned Gold Certified Partner status for learning solutions, honouring its commitment to equip the ICT workforce with all the necessary training and qualifications in the highest level of Microsoft technologies, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity within the industry.

Read more about Microsoft certifications on www.microsoft.com/learning and e-mail info@key.com.mt or call 2131-0250 to discuss your IT training requirements and options.