TSG lifts sixth Microsoft Gold

VAR bags Small and Mid-market Cloud Solutions competency to add to its considerable haul

Newcastle-based VAR Technology Services Group (TSG) has earned a Microsoft Gold accolade for its expertise in cloud computing.

The firm, which employs 450 people across 12 UK offices, has bagged Microsoft’s Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions Gold Status competency, to add to the five existing Gold competencies it already has in its portfolio.

David Stonehouse, chief executive of TSG, said: “We’re seeing more and more businesses consider cloud-based IT solutions as we have already deployed Microsoft Office 365 for thousands of users this year.

“For some, the imminent demise of Windows Server 2003 support in July is prompting a look at Microsoft Office 365 as the modern technology platform on which to drive their business forward. For others, growth or relocation brings about a review of the IT strategy and moving to this technology can offer longer-term benefits for businesses.

“Some customers are implementing a fully cloud-based approach while for others the most appropriate answer may be a hybrid solution. So the cloud isn’t necessarily the perfect solution for everyone. What is important is that businesses understand the options available to them and find a partner with the breadth of experience and expertise to support the most effective implementation.”

Paul Burns, national technical director at TSG, explained that Microsoft Office 365 allowed smaller businesses access to technologies previously only affordable by larger organisations.

“By understanding the full array of products available with such a modern technology platform, businesses really have the potential to transform. And that’s before considering cost savings, flexibility and mobility,” he said. “It’s all about working more effectively, sharing information and improving communication and collaboration with colleagues; wherever they are.

“A lot of IT companies will specialise in specific elements of Microsoft’s suite of products such as CRM or SharePoint. With expertise across everything from business applications to complex infrastructure and connectivity, we’re perfectly placed at TSG to guide businesses through their adoption of Microsoft Office 365 – especially if it’s their first step in to the cloud,” he added.