SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Microsoft Acknowledges O’Neil Again - Company Is Accepted Into ISV Managed Partner Program

Irvine, California - Microsoft is motivated and inspired every day by how their customers use their software to find creative solutions to business problems and develop breakthrough ideas.  So it’s particularly rewarding when an organization of this caliber recognizes repeatedly the skill and focus partners bring to a particular solution set.  One of those companies just happens to be O’Neil Software.

This year, not only has O’Neil attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program, with a competency in ISV/Software solutions, they have now been accepted into Microsoft’s Managed Portfolio.  This is yet another accomplishment to add to their growing list.  In 2005, O’Neil Software was the recipient of Symbol^® Technologies Enterprise Mobility Solutions Award for the North American Region. 

As one of the requirements for achieving Gold Certified Status, O’Neil had to declare a Microsoft Competency.  It did so by putting its world renowned flagship product, RS-SQL^® Records Management Software, to the test at Veritest’s Independent Laboratories.  Microsoft’s Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies, for 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.

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

Acceptance into Microsoft’s Managed Portfolio means that O’Neil has now been selected as an emerging ISV.  The ISVs that Microsoft typically manage have to meet the following requirements: have greater than $5 million in annual software revenue; provide unique software solutions for vertical markets (healthcare, financial, manufacturing, etc.) or horizontal solutions using new leading technologies (unified communications, collaboration, mobility, etc.); built their flagship product on the Microsoft platform/stack; are growing faster than average for their market segment; want Microsoft’s assistance in growing their business; share sales and revenue information; and have a desire to be in-step with Microsoft’s product road map and direction.

Managed Portfolio benefits include entitlement to a dedicated Microsoft Tele Partner Account Manager, who will learn all about O’Neil’s business objectives and help grow their Microsoft relationship.  Additionally, O’Neil will be provided with a dedicated  Developer Evangelist inside Microsoft, who will assist them with Sales, Marketing and Technology.

“Needless to say we are thrilled to be recognized and honored again by Microsoft, especially since their company proactively manages only about 500 ISV partners out of 26,000 possible worldwide,” said Ian Thomas, Vice President of Business Development at O’Neil.  “And now as a member of their Emerging ISV Group, it really sends a clear message to the marketplace just how high Microsoft’s confidence and support level is in our company’s expertise to provide customer satisfaction with their products and technology.  It just doesn’t get any better than this and adds measurable value to our business.”

About O’Neil Software

Committed to leading the industry, the name O’Neil Software has become synonymous with accuracy, flexibility, experience and delivering results in record storage management for 25 years.  Regional coverage includes the Americas, Europe, India/Middle East and Australasia. For more information, visit their website at www.oneilsoft.com.