CGI RECEIVES MICROSOFT GOLD CERTIFIED PARTNER STATUS FOR SECURITY SOLUTIONS

Overview
CGI announced today that it has earned Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program for Security Solutions. This was granted to CGI’s Toronto Microsoft Information Security Centre of Expertise (MS InfoSec COE) for demonstrated commitment to improving security and proven expertise in developing and implementing Microsoft security solutions. As a Microsoft Certified Partner, CGI shares Microsoft’s commitment to implementing best security practices and making customers’ systems more secure.

How did CGI Qualify?
To qualify, CGI was required to provide exceptional performance references from three government and private sector accounts. As well, CGI had to demonstrate specific expertise in Perimeter & Network Assessment, Active Directory Architecture and strict adherence to Policies and Procedures security standards.

What is the Opportunity?
This top partner program certification will give CGI’s MS InfoSec COE access to Microsoft advanced training and technical support, as well as increased access to Microsoft products and marketing opportunities. In addition, it will enable CGI to extend Microsoft security expertise and technologies to CGI locations worldwide. The company’s Microsoft Certified System Engineers will offer clients consulting services in all areas of Microsoft security—from security planning to life cycle support.

What does Microsoft Say?
“The Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program for Security Solutions is valuable for solution providers dedicated to upholding the highest industry standards and implementing best practices for secure systems,” said Andrew Coulson, Director of Enterprise Partners, Microsoft Canada Co.

“We are pleased to be working with partners like CGI who share our vision of helping customers get secure and stay secure and who have deep expertise in building and delivering security solutions based on Microsoft technologies.”

“Given the level of competition in the market today, customers must evaluate new technology partners very critically,” said Allison Watson, Vice President of the Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft. “They need to be assured that a technology provider has the experience and the resources to get them to market quickly and securely, without the security-related issues that often accompany a major technology deployment. CGI has clearly demonstrated that it has not only the experience and capacity, but also the commitment to developing the intimate knowledge of Microsoft technology solutions necessary to drive the security, functionality and reliability essential to today’s enterprise-level customer. This distinction brings value to the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program, and Microsoft is pleased to welcome CGI into the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program for Security Solutions.”

CGI’s InfoSec Practices
CGI has one of Canada’s largest contingents of Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP). CGI security consultants hold positions in numerous security associations including as the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) and the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC).

In addition to offering Microsoft security expertise, CGI offers a full range of specialized services including security environment assessment, security management, security architecture development, privacy and managed security services outsourcing.

CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is the fifth largest independent information technology services firm in North America, based on its headcount. CGI and its affiliated companies employ 20,000 professionals. CGI’s annualized revenue run-rate is CDN$2.8 billion (US$2.1 billion) and at July 29, 2003, CGI’s order backlog was CDN$12.5 billion (US$ 9.1 billion). CGI provides end-to-end IT and business process services to clients worldwide from offices in Canada, United States and Europe. CGI’s shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology and MidCap Indices.
Website: www.cgi.com