Verio Achieves Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program

April 27, 2006; 08:21 AM

CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Verio Inc., a US-based subsidiary of NTT Communications Group and a leading provider of hosting and managed services for small to midsized companies and partners, today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing Verio's expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, Verio has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers' unique business needs in Web hosting. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the channel.

With its focus squarely on the needs of small and midsized businesses and partners, Verio provides a range of solutions for companies running business operations and services online. Verio delivers hosting, managed services and professional services designed to help businesses efficiently conduct and manage business via the Internet. Verio is expanding these services to include storage and security services to the small and midsized business market.

"Verio's status as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner demonstrates the company's expertise in Web hosting and application solutions delivery surrounding Microsoft's technology portfolio," said Dennis Boyle, chief operating officer for Verio. "Gold Certified Partner status will maximize Verio's ability to build and enhance Microsoft-based offerings we provide for small and midsize businesses and customers. MultiSite for Windows Hosting, which allows for dozens of unique sites to be managed under just one account and is exclusive to Verio, is just one example of this."

"Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities," said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. "They need to trust in a company that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies. Today, Microsoft recognizes Verio as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology."

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, Verio 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.

Advanced Infrastructure Solutions

The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency is designed for partners with proven expertise in designing and/or implementing complex infrastructure solutions such as Active Directory(R)- and Microsoft Host Integration Server-based design and deployment solutions, and Microsoft Exchange Server migration or deployment solutions. Because customers are increasingly asking to do more with less, partners with the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency can identify their unique skill in helping customers access management solutions, improve operational efficiency and reduce security risks. Specializations within the competency are Active Directory and Identity Management, Exchange Migration and Deployment, Hosting Solutions, System Management and Storage Solutions.

"Our industry partners allow us to deliver high-quality solutions and applications to our customers. And we're always looking at ways to improve our relationships," said Paul Flessner, senior vice president of the Server Applications at Microsoft Corp. "Solutions competencies enable Microsoft to provide resources and training to partners seeking to meet, and even surpass, customer needs. The competencies also provide industry partners with a way to showcase their expertise to customers that depend on them for services, such as building critical infrastructure including storage and hosting solutions."

About Verio

Verio Inc. is a leading provider of hosting and managed services for small and midmarket companies and partners worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTT America, US subsidiary of NTT Communications, which provides complementary global network access reaching over 200 countries worldwide. The company offers businesses a range of Internet services, including Web hosting, managed services and value-added professional service offerings. Verio supports its operations with highly reliable and scalable global infrastructure and systems including the NTT Communications Global IP Network, and provides business solutions to customers and partners in more than 146 countries. More information can be found at www.verio.com and www.ntt.com/index-e.html.

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