The CEI Group Inc recently achieved rank as a Microsoft Certified Partner. Requirements necessary for this status include having at least two Microsoft Certified Professionals at the company as well as having at least one packaged software solution that has been tested and approved by Microsoft. “Our IT group is operating at the level of many top consulting organizations,” said Tom Osborne, senior business and applications manager. “Certification ascertains that our IT staff is professional, and that we take our profession seriously. We have seven members—almost a one-in-four ratio—in the IT department that have either full or partial certification in various Microsoft competencies.” As a Microsoft Certified Partner, CEI is entitled to Microsoft software products as well as a number of support options that are not available to non-partners.