PWI Renews Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program

― PWI Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies in SOA and Business Processes, Data Management and ISV/Software Solutions ―

RED BANK, NJ, January 29, 2009 — PWI, Inc. (http://www.pwicorp.com), a leader in globally distributed software development services, today announced it has renewed its Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program and has attained SOA and Business Processes, Data Management and ISV/Software Solutions Competencies,  recognizing PWI’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, PWI has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and a proven ability to meet customers’ needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the channel.

Since 1993, PWI has maximized IT budgets by leveraging globally-distributed development teams specializing in software design and programming. PWI collaborates with internal corporate IT organizations and third-party IT consulting firms to expand their software development capabilities “on-demand” or on a long-term basis. PWI is committed to providing software engineering talent and expertise that helps clients innovate and generate measurable and lasting business value.

“We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said PWI CEO, Greg Salvato. “The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for customers.”

“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” said Allison Watson, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Partner 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 PWI as a renewing Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology.”

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, PWI 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. Within select Competencies, there are Specializations that focus on specific solution areas that recognize deeper expertise within that Competency. Serving as a specialized path to earning those Competencies, Specializations give direct access to the tools and resources that support that specific area of focus.

The Data Management Solutions Competency is designed for Microsoft Certified and Gold Certified Partners that have proved their competency in deploying data warehousing, online analytical processing, data mining, decision support and in-depth reporting solutions.

“Microsoft has a vision to meet the needs of the coming data explosion and the next generation of data-driven applications,” said Kim Saunders, director of marketing for SQL Server at Microsoft Corp. “Achieving Gold Partner Status demonstrates a commitment to developing innovative solutions to enhance the capabilities of our mutual customers.”

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful.

About PWI, Inc.
PWI is a leader in globally distributed software development services that maximize IT budgets, fuel innovation, streamline operations and ensure competitive advantage. Headquartered in Red Bank, New Jersey, PWI determines, designs, delivers and supports business-critical communications, intelligence, infrastructure, and workflow solutions for large and medium-sized enterprises.

For PWI Sales or Marketing information, visit http://www.pwicorp.com, or contact Greg Salvato - PWI, Inc., 732-212-8110 ext. 235, gsalvato@pwicorp.com