As I described last year, Microsoft introduced a Silver and Gold level to about 30 different competency areas. Hosting is one of the competency specialties and the one that is most relevant to our business so it is the one that we specifically target to earn.
Microsoft has raised the bar significantly to attain the Gold level status over the last couple of years. To earn a Microsoft Gold Competency today, organizations must employ an increased number of Microsoft Certified Professionals who must pass various up-to-date certification exams related to the competency, submit more customer references and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction by participating in an annual survey and score well. In addition, for this year’s renewal, Microsoft added a Cloud marketing assessment test as well.
Achieving the Gold level status is an investment but we invest in it every year because we believe that it shows our commitment to stay on top of Microsoft-related technologies, helps us maintain a strong relationship with Microsoft, and serves as a big differentiator.
There are many hosts that had earned the Gold Partnership at one time under the old program but have subsequently lost the status due to the changes in the program. So if you want to check our status or anyone else’s for that matter, you can do so at the Microsoft PinPoint site.