SteelEye Technology, Inc., the leading provider of data and application availability management solutions for business continuity and disaster recovery on Linux and Windows, today announced it has attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in Software/Independent Software Vendors (ISV) Solutions. This recognises SteelEye’s expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace.

As a Gold Certified partner, SteelEye has demonstrated a high proficiency with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers’ needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access to marketing tools, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

“We are extremely pleased to have earned Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our technical knowledge and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said Paul Adams, President and CEO. “The benefits will allow us to further accelerate and enhance our delivery of SteelEye LifeKeeper solutions to customers of the Microsoft platform worldwide.”

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

In order to attain Gold Certified Status, SteelEye was required to achieve a Microsoft Competency to define and validate its area of specialisation. In particular, the Microsoft ISV/Software Solutions Competency recognises companies’ skill, focus and track record as it relates to developing and marketing packaged software based on Microsoft technologies.

“Solutions Competencies are an important way for Microsoft to better enable ISVs to meet customer needs,” said Sanjay Parthasarathy, Corporate Vice President of the Platform Strategy & Partner Group at Microsoft. “They allow ISVs to keep and win customers with their deep knowledge of solutions-based Microsoft platform technologies. Microsoft has a long history of working closely with ISV partners to help deliver compelling solutions and applications to our mutual customers. The Solutions Competencies are an important step in continuing to enhance vital relationships with ISVs worldwide.”

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in December 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program 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.