For Release 9 a.m. EST - November 06, 2006
United Technology Group Attains Microsoft Gold Certified Partner

(ATLANTA, GA) United Technology Group, LLC (UTG) today announced it has attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Networking Infrastructure Solutions, Information Worker Solutions and Small Business Specialist, recognizing UTG’s expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified partner, UTG has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and 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 marketplace.

UTG has three dedicated technology practices: Secure Networking, IP Telephony and Enterprise Systems. UTG believes that the three building blocks of every successful business project are technology, people and process. Microsoft solutions are a perfect fit for the technology component of UTG’s offering, ensuring reliable, scalable and secure computing. UTG has also separated itself as an industry leader with managed services known as Vantage360. Vantage360 allows UTG to proactively monitor a client’s network and provide remote support ensuring peak network performance and productivity.

“UTG is very pleased to have attained Gold Certified status with Microsoft. This allows us to clearly communicate our technical expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said Eric Dykes, President of UTG. “The added benefits provided through our Gold Certified program allow us to continuously improve our product and service offerings.”

“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities. They need to trust in someone 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,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “Today, Microsoft recognizes UTG as a new Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft products and technology.”

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Status, UTG had to declare at least one qualified 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. UTG is also currently working towards additional competencies in the area of Advanced Infrastructure Solutions and as a Licensing Solutions Provider.

Competency: Networking Infrastructure Solutions
Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proved their competency in implementing technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 or Windows® 2000 Server operating system, with a particular focus on Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 and Windows Small Business Server 2003. 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. “We place tremendous value on our partners, who help us deliver solutions and applications to customers,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft. “Solutions Competencies
provide an integrated partnering framework that recognizes an enterprise’s expertise and rewards it for the effect it has in the technology marketplace. It also allows companies to demonstrate for customers their knowledge of building solutions based on Microsoft technologies, such as setting up networks using Windows Server 2003 and Windows Small Business Server 2003.”

Competency: Information Worker Productivity Solutions
Designed to provide additional benefit and support to partners specializing in collaboration, portals and other productivity solutions, the Information Worker Productivity Solutions Competency is utilized by Gold Certified Partners that provide their customers with solutions built on familiar programs that enable them to better manage, prioritize and collaborate on increasing volumes of information. Partners that have obtained the Information Worker Competency can help their customers realize increased service revenues and new market opportunities. “Partners play a critical role in delivering solutions and applications to customers with the Microsoft Office System,” said Jeff Raikes, group vice president of Productivity and Business Services at Microsoft. “The value of Solutions Competencies is that they enable Microsoft to deliver resources and training to partners that are meeting their customer needs. And for partners, the opportunity to highlight their expertise to customers is tremendous in the growing IW solution market.”

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in December 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.

About United Technology Group, LLC
With over 160 years of industry experience on staff, United Technology Group, LLC is an IT services organization offering award winning solution implementations and proactive service. UTG has three dedicated technology practices: Secure Networking, IP Telephony and Enterprise Systems. UTG offers an industry leading managed services solution known as Vantage360. Vantage360 services include proactive remote monitoring, customer portal, unlimited remote technical support, emergency response SLA, scheduled on-site visits, etc. UTG is a team of world class engineers, business process consultants and operations experts that have come together to unite business with technology.

For more information, press only, please contact:
Rebecca Goard
rgoard@utgsolutions.com
678-730-2801
United Technology Group, LLC