Custom Computer Specialists, Inc. Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program

(Hauppauge, New York - November 22, 2004) – Custom Computer Specialists, Inc., Long Island’s largest technology solution provider, today announced it has attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing Custom’s expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified partner, Custom Computer Specialists 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.

“We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said Gregory Galdi, Custom’s founder and President. “The benefits provided through our Gold Certified 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. 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 Custom Computer Specialists 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, Custom had to declare a 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.

The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency is designed for partners with proven expertise in designing and/or implementing complex infrastructure solutions such as Active Directory ® - based and Microsoft Integration Server design and deployment solutions, or Microsoft Exchange Server migration or deployment 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.

“Our industry partners allow us to deliver high-quality solutions and applications to our customers. And we’re always looking at ways to improve our relationships,” said Paul Flessner, senior vice president of the Server Platform Division at Microsoft. “Solutions Competencies enable Microsoft to provide resources and training to partners seeking to meet, and even surpass, customer needs. The competencies also provide industry partners with a way to showcase their expertise to customers who depend on them for services, such as building their critical infrastructure needs such as storage and hosting solutions.”

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.

Celebrating its 25 th anniversary, Custom deliver a wide array of technology services including: project management, onsite IT staffing and outsourcing, network design, installation and support, wireless solutions, IT security, professional development and a complete suite of procurement, warehousing, just-in-time delivery and installation services. Custom is the recipient of a host of recent industry recognition and awards including #1 Technical Consultant ranking for two years in a row (LIBN 2003 & 2004); the “Large Business Achievement” award (HIA, 2004) and a prominent ranking on the VAR500 (CMP Media, 2000-2004).