Microsoft Canada Inc recognizes achievements of leading Canadian technology partners.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Microsoft Canada Inc. has announced that 52 Partner organizations have been chosen as finalists for the 2012 Microsoft Partner Network IMPACT Awards. Partners across Canada submitted over 230 entries into 25 award categories designed to recognize excellence across Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Microsoft Partner Network Competencies, and Marketing, Relationships & Partnering Excellence. Since Microsoft is truly invested into Applications this year, 3 new awards were introduced to the program: Windows 8 Application - Partner of the Year, Windows Phone Application - Partner of the Year, and Windows Azure Application - Partner of the Year.

"This year, we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the IMPACT Awards, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of Canadian Technology Partners, such as our 52 finalists." said Mark Dodds, Vice-President of Small Business, Midmarket Solutions & Partners, Microsoft Canada Inc.  "Microsoft depends on our Partners now more than ever before as we enter a new era of cloud based computing. Our partnership is pivotal to growth and success and we look forward to celebrating the commitments of our Partners this year at the IMPACT Awards gala."

IMPACT Award winners and finalists in each of the award categories will be honored at an awards ceremony at the new Four Seasons Hotel located in Yorkville, Toronto on November 13, 2012. Our host for the evening will be Sean Cullen, a three-time Gemini Award winner, multiple Canadian Comedy Award winner and a much sought after host!  The After-the-Ceremony Party will continue the 10th year celebration with champagne, music, and networking with Partners, Max Long and other Microsoft representatives.

About the Microsoft Partner Network IMPACT Awards  

In 2003, Microsoft Canada Inc. launched the IMPACT Awards, a program to recognize the numerous achievements within its technology Partner community.  This year, Microsoft celebrates the 10^th Anniversary of the program with 25 award categories designed to recognize innovation across Microsoft Partner Network Competencies, Emerging Technologies, and Marketing, Relationships & Partnering Excellence.

The IMPACT Awards are open to Active Canadian members of the Microsoft Partner Network.

For a list of all 2012 finalists visit www.microsoft.ca/awards. For more information on the Microsoft Partner Network IMPACT Awards, please visit http://www.microsoft.ca/IMPACT.

SOURCE Microsoft Partner Network

Image with caption: "Microsoft Partner Network IMPACT Awards 2012 (CNW Group/Microsoft Partner Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121106_C5453_PHOTO_EN_20240.jpg