Local Business Joins Microsoft Partner Program

Network-IT Becomes One of Two Companies in Middlesex County with Designation

May 2007

Middletown, CT - Small businesses are constantly looking for partners that understand their unique business needs.  Network-IT, a local networking and computer solutions firm, recently obtained the Microsoft Small Business Specialist designation allowing them to better support the special technical needs of small business—specifically designing, configuring and implementing appropriate technical solutions.

Being part of the Small Business Specialist community, Network-IT will receive a rich set of benefits from Microsoft, including access to training specifically designed for the small-business industry, small-business marketing materials for reuse, special partner offers, and the ability to use the Small Business Specialist logo in marketing materials.

“The Small Business Specialist designation identifies us as being knowledgeable and focused on the needs specific to small businesses,” says Nancy Waterman, president of Network-IT, LLC. “Being on the forefront of this new designation tells the business community where our focus is—we want to help small businesses.”

As one of the requirements for attaining Small Business Specialist status, Network-IT had to pass Microsoft's Small Business Sales and Marketing Skills Assessment, designed to test the company's knowledge of the dynamics and dependencies of the small-business market, as well as the value to small business of several software solutions including Vista, Windows^® XP Professional, Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows Small Business Server 2003. In addition, at least one individual in the company had to pass a certification exam that measures the ability to design and implement solutions for the small and medium-sized business by using Windows Small Business Server 2003 and the Windows Server System.

“With the recent roll-out of Vista by Microsoft earlier this year, many companies are confused about how and when to upgrade to Vista. Because of our Small Business Specialist designation training, Network-IT is the perfect source to go to for any questions regarding Vista,” says Waterman.

The Microsoft Small Business Specialist designation was introduced by Microsoft in July 2005. There are currently 51 partners in the state of Connecticut. 

Along with being a Microsoft Partner, Network-IT is also an active member of The Alternative Board^® (TAB), an organization offering peer advice and business coaching to small and medium-sized business owners.