VRS, a technology subsidiary of The Frank Gates Companies, Inc., offers enhanced risk and claims processing software. Their VISUAL Risk Studio and VISUAL Claims Studio software suites, combined with their state-of-the-art networking service, offers high performance solutions for businesses. VRS is based in Dublin, Ohio with additional locations in Scottsdale, Arizona; Tampa, Florida; and Brighton, Michigan.

VRS provides software, data services, custom programming and consulting to the property and casualty, third party administrator and risk management industries. These solutions enable risk managers to reduce claim costs and enhance communication between adjusters, nurse case management staff and employers. Services also include professional fee bill adjudication, preferred provider organization negotiated discounts, and case management consulting.

“We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program,” said Rob Kopp, Chief Executive Officer at VRS. “The benefits provided through our Gold Certified status will allow us to continue to enhance the software and services we provide.” Chief Marketing Officer Steven Dorn added, “We are proud of the leading edge development we are doing in the latest Microsoft technologies, and the credibility and recognition the Microsoft Gold Partner status gives VRS. We are building the next generation of our risk and claim management solutions and these new tools ensure our clients will have the best software available.”

“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” said Allison Watson, Vice President of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “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.”

“Today, Microsoft recognizes VRS as a new Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft products and technology,” Watson said.

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified status, VRS 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.

VRS has earned Microsoft Competencies in Business Process Integration; and Custom Development, Networking Infrastructure, Data Management and Mobility Solutions.

“We place tremendous value on our partners, who help us deliver solutions and applications to customers,” said Watson. “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.”

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.

For more information, press only:
Brenda Proctor
Vice President
Marketing and Communications
The Frank Gates Companies, Inc.
614-798-5505
bproctor@frankgates.com