Modern Survey Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning Microsoft Competencies in ISV/Software Solutions & Mobility Solutions

July 3, 2008 (Minneapolis) - Modern Survey today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in ISV/Software Solutions & Mobility Solutions, recognizing Modern Survey’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, Modern Survey has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and a proven ability to meet customers’ needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the channel.

Modern Survey helps organizations around the world know more about their employees, customers, peers, and target markets through innovative research tools and consulting services. Modern Survey can configure content and technology to meet your specific requirements. Modern Survey’s proprietary tools- m/research®, m/360^SM, m/action, m/perform, m/interview, m/exit and m/hr suite- cover the entire Human Capital Management blanket, providing powerful technology tailored to client needs. Modern Survey’s service begins with outstanding project management and is anchored by thoughtful, innovative consulting and technology.

“We’re extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This certification reflects Modern Survey’s commitment to technological innovation and expertise, as well as our continued relationship with Microsoft,” said Dan Riley, Modern Survey’s Chief Operating Officer. “The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status will help Modern Survey to continue to enhance our powerful research tools and client services.”

“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” said Allison Watson, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. “They need to trust in a company that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies. Today, Microsoft recognizes Modern Survey as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology.”

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, Modern Survey had to declare a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each Competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry. Within select Competencies, there are Specializations that focus on specific solution areas that recognize deeper expertise within that Competency. Serving as a specialized path to earning those Competencies, Specializations give direct access to the tools and resources that support that specific area of focus.

Modern Survey has satisfied the requirements for two Microsoft Competencies:

ISV/Software Solutions -The Microsoft ISV/Software Solutions Competency recognizes the skill and focus partners bring to a particular solution set. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners that have obtained this competency have a successful record of developing and marketing packed software based on Microsoft technologies.

Mobility Solutions - Partners that attain the Mobility Solutions Competency have proven competency in developing and deploying Windows Mobile-based solutions and applications using Microsoft products including Windows Mobile software for Pocket PC and Smartphone. Partners attaining the Mobility Solutions competency must employ multiple personnel who have each passed one of two required Microsoft technology specialist (TS) exams.

“Solutions competencies such as Mobility Solutions make it easier for partners to position their skills to customers, better align their business with Microsoft’s marketing initiatives, and form closer relationships with other partners,” said John Traynor, director of business and partner marketing at Microsoft Corp. “By ensuring that our partners are proficient in delivering Windows Mobile-based solutions and applications more quickly and easily, we are able to help our partners provide solutions that enable customers to access information on the go, to increase employee productivity and customer response rates while reducing business cycles and, ultimately, costs.”

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program 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.

In less than a decade, Modern Survey has evolved into a leading online survey market industry player, providing a robust suite of proprietary technologies combined with an array of consultative services that help our clients manage talent throughout the employee lifecycle, measure and evaluate customer satisfaction and gain insight into changing markets. Modern Survey products and services have spanned 100 countries on six continents in over 30 languages. In 2007, Modern Survey received over one million web survey responses and generated tens of thousands of advanced reports. Through direct and partner channels, Modern Survey’s tools and services have reached more than 500 companies, over 75 of which are among the Fortune 500.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Halstead, Director of Business Development
Modern Survey
jhalstead@modernsurvey.com
612/746.3917