For Release 6 a.m. PDT March 24, 2005

Microsoft Certifies Conamex International with the Network Infrastructure Competency in the Microsoft Partner Program

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — March 24, 2005 Conamex, today announced it has attained the requirements for the Network Infrastructure Competency status in the Microsoft Partner Program, recognizing Conamex’s expertise and total impact in the technology marketplace. Conamex has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers’ needs.

“We are extremely pleased to have attained the Network Infrastructure Competency status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said Elisabeth Vanderveldt, VP Business Development. “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. As one of the requirements for attaining Certified Status, Conamex 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.

Competency: Networking Infrastructure Solutions

Microsoft 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.”