Communications integrator, Affiniti today announced that it has gained certified status in the Microsoft Partner Programme, recognising its expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace. As a Certified Partner, Affiniti has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to deliver Unified Communications solutions that meet customer needs. Microsoft Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support that give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Karl Noakes, Director of the Partner Development Group at Microsoft, said: "When customers are looking to implement a Microsoft technology solution for their business, their best bet is to turn to an expert-a Microsoft Certified Partner.  Microsoft provides its Certified Partners with in-depth access to existing and emerging Microsoft technologies and related training and resources to help ensure that they have the technical intimacy needed to deliver quality solutions. Today, Microsoft recognises Affiniti for demonstrating this level of expertise and welcomes it as a new Microsoft Certified Partner."

"We are extremely pleased to have gained Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Programme," said Paul Renucci, Managing Director of Affiniti.

"It is the first step in achieving our goal of Gold Certification. This furthers our expertise in Microsoft solutions and ensures that customers will benefit from both a wider portfolio and our closer relationship with Microsoft. The benefits of Unified Communications with its video conferencing and collaboration tools will play a vital role in bringing further cost and time saving benefits to customers as they develop their IP communications strategies."

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

Smart421, a sister business to Affiniti, has been a certified Microsoft Gold Partner since 2002.

Affiniti, the communications integrator, specialises in designing, implementing and managing intelligent communications solutions for private and public sector organisations.

Some of its customers include: Experian, Carphone Warehouse, British Airways, Ford, Admiral Insurance, Edinburgh Telford College , Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen Hospital , Cheshire Police, Citigroup, Lloyds TSB.

Affiniti is part of the KCOM Group.

KCOM Group PLC provides a range of integrated IT and communications services to businesses, and internet and telecommunications services to selected consumer markets, within the UK .

The Group's portfolio of businesses works with both leading private enterprise customers and public sector organisations. Through its Affiniti, Smart421 and JAM IP brands, the Group delivers solutions covering unified communications, contact centre solutions, data management, applications integration and managed services.

The KCOM Group also includes a regionally-focused business, Kingston Communications, which supports small to medium-sized businesses. Through its KC and Eclipse brands, the business offers a wide range of internet-based and telecommunications services. The regional business also provides telephony and internet services to targeted consumers through its KC, Eclipse and Karoo brands.

The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and employs over 2,700 people across the UK .

Dianne White
Affiniti
01442 883370
E: dianne.white@affiniti.com

Emma Turner
Nelson Bostock Communications
020 7792 7440
E: emma.turner@nelsonbostock.com