Certified Security Solutions, Inc. (CSS) today announced it has achieved a Gold Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network for three separate areas; Desktop, Identity & Security, and Virtualization, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft customers’ evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment. To earn a Microsoft Gold Competency, organizations must complete a rigorous set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, have the right number of Microsoft Certified Professionals, submit customer references and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction by participating in an annual survey.
Certified Security Solutions, Microsoft’s “Identity & Security Partner of the Year” is dedicated to solve highly complex security challenges with deep technical expertise and business know-how. For more than 10 years, CSS has been at the forefront of Information Technology (IT) Security, delivering solutions that provide long-lasting business value.

“We are thrilled that CSS has achieved three Microsoft Gold Competencies,” said Kevin von Keyserling, president and CEO for CSS. “This demonstrates not only our ongoing support of Microsoft, but our continuing commitment to stand as the preeminent IT security partner for the Global 2000. Our three gold competencies further establish CSS as market leaders.”

“The Microsoft Partner Network is designed to empower solution providers to succeed in today’s business environment. By achieving the prestigious Gold competency, participating companies are provided with a rich set of benefits, including increased customer visibility through branding and accessibility, training and support,” said Jon Roskill, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. “We are proud to put forth a program that provides the right resources to help a company develop the expertise customers demand in today’s competitive market and also provides the community and infrastructure that can connect them to one another, lowering costs for all parties.”

The Microsoft Gold Competency signifies to the market that a company has demonstrated the highest level of skill and achievement within a given technology specialization. All 29 Microsoft competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s specific technology capabilities, helping customers find solution providers quickly and easily. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the industry.

Desktop Competency – Become a services delivery leader for the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suites. With the Desktop competency, you gain credentials and expertise that can help you to sell, deploy, and support Windows, Office, the Windows Internet Explorer browser, and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP).

Identity and Security Competency – To meet growing security threats, many companies have put together a patchwork of endpoint security solutions that are costly to manage, lack interoperability, and fail to provide a unified picture of the status of their infrastructures. You can address these challenges with Microsoft Identity and Security products and solutions, including Microsoft Forefront security software. Attaining the Microsoft Partner Network Identity and Security competency proves your expertise in deploying integrated, simplified, and comprehensive security solutions that meet your customers’ business security requirements. Attaining the Microsoft Identity and Security competency proves your expertise in deploying integrated, simplified, and comprehensive security solutions that meet your customers’ business security

Virtualization Competency – The Microsoft Virtualization competency helps you differentiate your virtualization expertise to customers and grow your business. Achieving this competency helps you maximize the benefits of the Microsoft Partner Network and quickly gain customer credibility, regardless of your company size, business model, or geography.

The Microsoft Partner Network is designed to equip organizations that deliver products and services based on the Microsoft platform with the training, resources and support they need to provide their customers a superior experience and outcomes.

About CSS – CSS is an information security company, specializing in identity and access management solutions. The company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, has operations throughout North America. CSS provides enterprise ready software, managed security services, Security as a Service, and consulting services. CSS’ security solutions allow clients to secure and operate in cloud computing platforms, “Bring Your Own Device” initiatives, and the emerging market of the “Internet of Things.” For more information and for a complete list of branch offices, click here to Request Information.