My recent 4 day experience at Microsoft’s WPC 2009 in the “Big Easy” was exhilarating and extremely memorable. The upcoming launches of Microsoft Exchange 2010, Windows 2007, and Office 2010 represent innovation and key revenue opportunities for delivering professional consulting services and servicing our customer’s needs. Microsoft is clearly making major investments in technology and our success going forward. As a partner focused exclusively on Messaging and Unified Communications, I am particularly excited how the major innovations in Exchange 2010 will serve as the catalyst to motivate clients to migrate from older versions of Exchange and other competitive email platforms. During these challenging economic times, it is refreshing to witness a company that isn’t retreating in the market and continues to demonstrate a commitment to provide solutions for customers that help them realize their full potential.

As the Unified Communication Solutions, IM/Presence Partner of the Year, I was overwhelmed with the amount of recognition we received for our accomplishment from Microsoft and our peers. We believe it will translate into future opportunities and growth in our business throughout the year. We’ve already experienced a tremendous surge in people visiting our website to learn more about our company since the announcement was made public about us winning the award. Getting back to the WPC event. Not only were we recognized on stage during a keynote presentation by Allison Watson, we were celebrated during an Award Winner Executive Luncheon hosted by Allison and Steve Ballmer. Suffice to say, I was very proud of what our employees enabled us to achieve through their dedication and efforts. The award brought us recognition that no amount of advertising could buy. Of course, the opportunity to network with Microsoft associates, SI partners, and vendors each evening at parties and dinners in New Orleans was very exciting and gained us maximum exposure throughout the Microsoft ecosystem. Coming away from WPC, I am more energized and dedicated than ever to make our company a repeat winner at WPC 2010 in Washington, DC.