LOCKNET, Inc. Attains Gold Certified Partner Status In Microsoft® Partner Program

JUNE 28 , 2007 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

La Crosse, WI –LockNET, Inc., today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft® Partner Program with competencies in Information Worker Solutions, Network Infrastructure Solutions and Security Solutions, recognizing LockNET’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, LockNET has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers’ needs.

Based out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, LockNET, Inc. is a network security company that offers a variety of products, services and compliance consulting focused to maintain secure and stable IT networks for financial, healthcare, government, education and general businesses clients.

“We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said Pete Griffith, LockNET’s President. “The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for customers.”

“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing 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 LockNET as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology.”

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.

LockNET completed three competencies in this phase of their certification:

Information Worker Solutions
Designed to provide additional benefit and support to partners specializing in collaboration, portals and other productivity solutions, the Information Worker Solutions Competency is utilized by Gold Certified Partners that provide their customers with solutions built on familiar programs which enable them to better manage, prioritize and collaborate on increasing volumes of information. Partners that have obtained the Information Worker Solutions Competency can help their customers realize increased service revenues and new market opportunities. Specializations within the competency are Enterprise Project Management, Messaging and Collaboration, Office System Desktop Development, and Portals and Enterprise Content Management.

Networking Infrastructure Solutions
Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proved their expertise in implementing technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server operating system. These implementations may include crafting solutions that connect Windows-based servers, PC locations and the Internet; installing a server farm; or building a small-business Windows Server stand-alone solution that includes file and print capabilities.

Security Solutions
The Security Solutions Competency is designed to recognize the unique skills and requirements of partners specializing in delivering security-based solutions. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in this competency have proved their skill in advanced security solutions to help protect customer information assets by building solutions such as security management and operations, security-enhanced wireless VPN and perimeter, and identity and access management solutions. Specializations within the competency include Infrastructure Security and Security Management.         

About LockNET, Inc.
LockNET, Inc. is an MSPAlliance Managed Services Accredited Program firm specializing in the integration of network security for financial, healthcare, government, education and general business clients. LockNET provides security assessment, regulatory compliance and network managed services for secure client networks, including remote monitoring and maintenance. LockNET is headquartered in La Crosse, WI and serves clients throughout the Midwest.

About the Microsoft Partner Program
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.

Contact:
Steve Lubahn
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
slubahn@locknet-inc.com

LockNET, Inc.
3128 South Avenue
La Crosse, WI  54601
Phone: 608.785.7100
FAX: 608-785-7180