To earn a Microsoft gold competency, organisations must complete a rigorous set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, have the right number of Microsoft certified professionals, submit customer references and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction in an annual survey.
TSG, whose headquarters are in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, achieved gold level in server platforms, enterprise resource planning, and portals and collaboration competencies.
It secured silver in a further four competencies, held by only five per cent of the worldwide Microsoft Partner Network.
David Stonehouse, TSG CEO, said: “As the highest level of accreditation Microsoft offers its partners we are extremely proud of these achievements, especially as it’s a reflection of the hugely talented team here at TSG. Our people really are our strength and I can’t praise them enough.”
TSG is one of the UK’s leading IT support companies with 14 local IT service centres in Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire, North West, Midland and South.
David said customers across the country could have greater confidence knowing the demanding tests the business had been through to become one of the highest awarded providers of Microsoft products.
He explained: “This was a very challenging process in which we put significant investment. Microsoft raised the bar last year by introducing their new competencies strategy, allowing for some differentiation within the Partner Network.
“With only a small number within the network achieving gold we feel justified in shouting from the rooftops. We make it our business to stay ahead of the game and we pride ourselves on having genuinely in-depth knowledge on all products that will make a difference to our customers and their evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment.”
TSG has teams of dedicated experts who provide a local service to businesses, taking care of IT systems for thousands of customers, small and large.
Clare Barclay, partner strategy and programmes director at Microsoft UK, added: “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 training and support.
“We are proud to put forth a programme that provides the right resources to help a company develop the expertise customers demand in today’s competitive market and provides the community and infrastructure that can connect them to one another, lowering costs for all parties."