Global Knowledge Chief Architect named Microsoft MVP for 13th year in succession

28th November 2007 - UK , Global Knowledge, Europe’s leading independent provider of IT training, has announced that Thomas Lee, Chief Architect for Microsoft EMEA at the company, has achieved the status of Microsoft Most Valued Professional for 2008 – the thirteenth year in succession that Lee had been named on the vendor’s elite list of skilled technicians.

MVPs are individual professionals that exchange and share of knowledge and expertise with Microsoft users and with the company itself. In recent months, Lee has been closely involved in the Microsoft Readiness Program for Office Communications Server 2007 (OCS 2007) and played a leading role in the initial meetings of the Microsoft PowerShell User Group in the US and Europe.

In addition to these technologies, Lee is also a recognised expert in the latest Microsoft Security solutions and with this latest accolade becomes one of the longest-standing MVPs in the world. His achievement is testimony to the on-going commitment that Global Knowledge makes to technical excellence in Microsoft technologies and on content development and delivery says Jeffrey Smithies, Microsoft Product Director EMEA at Global Knowledge.
 
“Thomas is a unique individual who possesses a remarkable depth of insight and understanding of Microsoft technologies. The contribution he makes – both to our ability to develop the most up-to-date and advanced Microsoft courses, and to the Microsoft community – can’t be overstated. We will continue to invest in the skills of our key content developers and trainers to ensure that Global Knowledge remains the premier provider of Microsoft education in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”

Global Knowledge is one of Europe’s leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Learning Solutions (CPLS), and has two current MVPs; Lee and Business Development Manager, Ilse Van Criekinge, who is based in Belgium. Global Knowledge is the leading Microsoft CPLS in Europe and delivers a full schedule of Microsoft courses in more than 12 countries across the continent and also in the Middle East and Africa regions. It leads the way in developing new content and courses both for official Microsoft accreditation and professional IT skills development.

Only some 2600 MVPs are named worldwide every year. As well as a wide range of information and services, MVPs have access to Microsoft’s own technical experts and other MVPs around the world, through the dedicated members’ web site. They also have opportunities to build relationships with other MVPs and with Microsoft product teams through a variety of special activities, including the MVP Global Summit and local events, and play an important part in providing Microsoft with customer feedback.

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About Global Knowledge:

Global Knowledge is the largest privately held provider of training and enterprise learning services for information technology (IT) and management professionals. The company offers a broad array of hands-on IT, project management, and professional skills training featuring proprietary core and custom curriculum, as well as content from leading companies, including Cisco, Microsoft, Nortel, and Red Hat. Delivered in classrooms, at private facilities, or over the Internet, Global Knowledge has helped Fortune 500 companies, organizations and government agencies leverage learning to turn knowledge into productivity for employees, customers, and channel partners. Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge employs more than 1,200 people worldwide and is headquartered in Cary, N.C. The company is owned by New York-based investment firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson, and Stowe. For more information visit www.globalknowledge.net.

Media contacts:

Harminder Sangha
Global Knowledge EMEA
Tel: +44 (0) 118 9121839
Email: harminder.sangha@globalknowledge.net
  
Neville Street
Stella Six
Tel: +44 (0) 1743 240917
Mobile: 07967 717258
Email: nev@stellasix.com