Civica Wins MS Operational Excellence Award

Independent audit highlights customer service expertise

23 February 2003, London... Civica, one of the UK's most experienced providers of public sector consulting, software systems and managed services, has won the 2004 Large Account Reseller (LAR)¹ operational excellence award at Microsoft's Channel partner conference held in Dublin on February 9-10.

Along with its broad range of professional services and proprietary applications, Civica is also one of the foremost software solutions and licensing organisations in the UK.

The award recognises Civica's excellence in all aspects of its relationship with Microsoft including systems, processes, methods of engagement and accuracy when dealing with customers as well as completion of training programmes. The award was based on an independent audit of all LARs and their operations. The award was made by Anne Quinn, Microsoft's Channel Operations Manager, to Stephen Hedegaard, Civica's sales director, Software Licensing, at the event, which was attended by all of Microsoft's 18 LARs in the UK and Ireland.

Edward Hyde, Microsoft's Channel Sales Manager, commented, "The award highlights Civica's outstanding contribution, both to its customers and to Microsoft. It recognises the company's service expertise and commitment to a successful long term partnership with us."

Stephen Hedegaard said, "We're delighted to receive this accolade, partly because it underlines our partnership with Microsoft, but also because an independent audit showed that all the necessary technical and service elements are working well. We believe it is our expert knowledge and responsive service that differentiates Civica in what is a highly competitive market, and this is endorsed by the award.

"We will continue to invest in the necessary people and systems to maintain this position and provide customers and partners alike with the best service capability available."

ENDS

About The Civica Group

Civica (www.civica.co.uk) is one of the UK's most experienced providers of consulting, software systems and managed services to the public sector. Supplying many organisations in the UK, Australia and the USA, including over 700 local authorities, the company has an 18-year history of delivering effective software solutions to local government, police, healthcare, criminal justice and education organisations. Civica Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary, is an approved Prime Contractor for software in the UK Government's GCat procurement catalogue. The company employs approximately 450 people globally and has a track record of uninterrupted profits growth.

As a Large Account Reseller (LAR), Civica can sell Microsoft Select, Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and Microsoft Campus Agreement.