Microsoft Corp. today announced the finalists and winners of select categories for the 2006 Microsoft� Partner Program Awards. The awards recognize Microsoft Registered, Certified and Gold Certified partners that developed exemplary solutions for their customers during the past year. Nearly 2,400 entries were submitted by partners worldwide, and finalists were selected based on their dedicated use of Microsoft technologies to provide solutions for their customers� needs. The winners will be honored at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2006, Microsoft�s premier annual partner event, July 11�13, 2006, in Boston.

�Each year, Microsoft has the distinct pleasure of recognizing Registered, Certified and Gold Certified partners that have demonstrated an impressive level of creativity in using technology to deliver excellence to their customers,� said Allison Watson, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. �The finalists and award winners announced today have exceeded expectations in delivering outstanding customer service and optimization of Microsoft technologies. To have so many great entries from partners is a tremendous reflection of the amazing scope and quality of partners that are meeting customer needs by providing solutions with Microsoft technology.�