Westcon Group achieves Microsoft Gold Communications competency in EMEA

Westcon Group, a value-added distributor of category-leading unified communications, network infrastructure, data center and security solutions with a global network of specialty resellers, today announced that they are the first Value-Added Distributor (VAD) worldwide to achieve Microsoft’s Partner Network Gold Communications competency. This designation is based on the company achieving rigorous standards for revenue, service support, and customer satisfaction throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

By achieving Gold Level in the Communications competency, Westcon has demonstrated its ability to meet stringent technology and customer satisfaction requirements set forth by Microsoft – providing best-in-class Microsoft Lync-based solutions to customers.

“We are extremely proud to be the first VAD worldwide to achieve Microsoft's Gold Communications certification. This distinction marks our commitment to Microsoft and its Lync platform and sets Westcon apart as a leading provider of unified communications solutions,” said Manoj Panchal, Convergence Divisional Manager, Westcon Middle East. “By continually analyzing market trends, identifying such innovative solutions and then investing to gain deep technical competency in them, we have managed to create a unified communications eco-system. We can deliver comprehensive UC solutions which enable our customers to achieve improved productivity through the seamless alignment of business and IT.”

“Partners with Gold status in the Communications competency have demonstrated the highest and most consistent capability within a targeted business solution area. We are committed to supporting Gold-Level members with the right set of tools, training, and information to empower their partners with leading edge Microsoft-based solutions and services,” said Scott Brown, Senior Director Worldwide Lync Enterprise Voice at Microsoft. “As the first global VAD to achieve Gold Communications certification, Westcon has clearly demonstrated its value – delivering integrated and customised sales and marketing, pre-and post-sales support, and services to support today’s channel demand for Lync.”

Westcon has one of the broadest Lync eco-systems in distribution, which now includes: Active Communications, Acme Packet, Advatel, Altigen, AudioCodes, Jabra, Plantronics, Polycom, snom and Sonus. Combined with the Gold Communications competency and broad UC expertise, the distributor is ideally positioned to support partners with complete and successful Lync solutions to grow their business.