axon IT Awarded Microsoft Cloud Accelerate Partner Status

Aug. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- IT giant Microsoft has made Macclesfield-based IT solutions provider axon IT a Microsoft Cloud Accelerate Partner in recognition of the firms accomplishments in providing Microsoft cloud computing solutions to its customers.

The accreditation comes just six months after a previous Microsoft endorsement, when axon IT became the first business in the North West to be awarded Microsoft Gold Partner status with virtualization competency.

Launched in 2010, the exclusive Microsoft Cloud Accelerate Partner programme is designed to recognize and reward high performing companies who have a proven track record of delivering Microsoft cloud solutions to their customers. axon IT met the required criteria through its promotion and implementation of Microsoft Business Productivity Online Standard Suite (BPOS), which is now known as Microsoft Office 365.

Microsoft Office 365 is an internet-based hosted service that gives users the option of remote working from any location with an internet connection. Including Microsoft Office Professional Plus, Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online and Microsoft Lync Online, the solution is hosted in the cloud and offers in a cost effective alternative to purchasing hardware and software upfront.

Graham Fern, Technical Director at axon IT commented: “To be recognised twice in six months by Microsoft for our business achievements is a great honour. Cloud computing is revolutionising IT as we know it so it is vital to the success of our business that we keep up with these emerging technologies. The recognition is testament to the hard work of our engineers and we are proud to be leading the way in this ever-changing industry.

“Although still a new concept to many businesses, cloud computing offers a far more cost effective alternative to traditional on-premise solutions, increasing flexibility and productivity, and ultimately contributing to business growth.”

As a Microsoft Cloud Accelerate Partner axon IT will now benefit from internal technology use rights, preferred partner pricing, marketing resources, pre-sales and technical support and other business benefits.

In January 2011, axon IT became the first business in the North West to be awarded Microsoft Gold Partner status with virtualization competency, making the company the only provider of virtual and cloud computing-based systems in the region to be endorsed by Microsoft at that time. The firm also provides its own virtual solutions through a data centre in Manchester, including a fully managed online backup solution – axonBackup24/7.