ShareSquared, Inc. First US Company To Achieve SharePoint Master Certification

Microsoft Gold Certified Partner ShareSquared, Inc. recently announced their successful completion of the new Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS) program, making it the first U.S. based company to earn Microsoft's highest level of competency on the SharePoint platform.

The Microsoft Certified Master for SharePoint is the newest addition to the Master's series from Microsoft Learning. The program is an exclusive, advanced training and certification program for seasoned IT professionals looking to enhance and demonstrate their proficiency in the use and deployment of various Microsoft server technologies. ShareSquared's first architect to complete the program was Maurice Prather. Completion of the program validates an architect's ability to successfully design and implement solutions that meet the most complex business requirements.

SharePoint's extreme popularity and rapid adoption has created a challenge for many businesses seeking qualified Architects. Companies are finding out that many self-proclaimed architects lack the skills to ensure a successful SharePoint deployment. The Microsoft Certified Master credential gives these businesses a reliable and objective way to vet a consultant's or prospective employee's skills.

"Because there is no governing body to police or validate an Architect's experience and knowledge of the platform, we were very happy to hear that Microsoft Learning launched the new program", said David Kruglov, Managing Director of ShareSquared, Inc. "The Microsoft Certified Master credential aligns with our guarantee to our clients that ShareSquared consultants have the highest degree of knowledge and certification on Microsoft technologies. We're honored to be the first company to successfully earn this designation".

"Microsoft created this certification program to enhance IT professionals' skills and to provide them with a credential to reflect deep technical expertise and help differentiate them to partners and customers", said Per Farny, Director of Advanced Training & Certification for Microsoft Learning. "Customers who engage with a Microsoft Certified Master know, without a doubt, that they are getting the most highly experienced and validated individual available on a particular Microsoft product".

According to IDC, retaining consultants with the proper certifications has been a high priority for most hiring managers for some time. In fact, the industry analysts report that 63% percent of the managers believe certified individuals are more productive than their non-certified counterparts. Furthermore, 66% percent of managers believe certifications improve the level of service and support offered to customers. On average, 40 to 55% of top-performing teams are comprised of certified IT professionals and 75% of managers believe that certifications are important to team performance.

"SharePoint is the fastest growing server product in Microsoft history", said Michel Gideoni, SharePoint Senior Technical Product Manager. "With this success, there is an increased demand from our customers and partners for individuals who possess an expert, hands-on, technical understanding of how to architect and deploy SharePoint. This certification was designed to develop the next generation of technical leaders in this rapidly growing business".

About ShareSquared, Inc.
ShareSquared, Inc. is a full service consulting firm and Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. The company specializes in the planning, design and implementation of solutions built on the SharePoint and .NET platforms. With a focus on the Microsoft SharePoint product, ShareSquared assists organizations in building Enterprise Portals and Business Process Automation Solutions that are fully integrated with mission critical systems. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California and providing services throughout the US , ShareSquared's primary goal is to deliver superior, leading edge, technology solutions that enable customers to solve real business problems pragmatically and cost-effectively. For more information, visit www.ShareSquared.com.

SOURCE: ShareSquared, Inc.