As a long-standing certified Gold Partner in the Microsoft Partner Network, industrial automation software expert COPA-DATA has done a great deal for the continued development of its strategic partnership with Microsoft. Last year, COPA-DATA received the Gold Application Development Competency. Now, with the award of the Gold Intelligent Systems Competency, Microsoft is acknowledging the portfolio of services zenon offers, as well as the know-how COPA-DATA demonstrates in this new field of application.

Microsoft had already announced in summer 2013 that it would integrate its established Windows Embedded Partner Program (WEPP) into the international Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) in the form of a new competency, in order to offer partners a central, consistent program. The restructuring ultimately led to the introduction of the new MPN competency for Intelligent Systems in January 2014.

With Intelligent Systems to Industry 4.0

The objective of using intelligent systems in industrial manufacturing companies is to exploit the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) so that all relevant data and information is fully available, regardless of time and location. Intelligent Systems support the networking of devices, equipment, processes and people, continually optimise business intelligence solutions and thus positively influence decision making. Intelligent systems also have an important contribution to increasing the degree of automation in a plant.

By awarding COPA-DATA the qualification of Gold Intelligent Systems Competency, Microsoft has confirmed that the zenon software meets all the requirements and criteria of an intelligent system. COPA-DATA can therefore offer its partners and customers innovative technologies, specific expert know-how and competent end-to-end solutions in this field of application.

COPA-DATA is an important MPN holder

Johannes Petrowisch, Partner Account Manager at COPA-DATA, emphasizes the importance of the new qualification: “According to information from Microsoft, out of more than 650,000 Microsoft partners around the world, only five per cent have a Silver competency qualification and only one in a hundred has a Gold competency qualification. With our two Gold competencies, we are consequently in a very small circle of competency holders within this network and can thus underscore our role as a technological pioneer once again. We are very proud of that.”

Microsoft competencies as a competitive advantage

With the issue of different competencies in the Microsoft Partner Network, Microsoft is supporting members in advertising their industry-leading skills and specialist knowledge in a professional manner. To fulfill the requirements for one or more of the total 25 MPN competencies, it is necessary to meet certain standards and to highlight these in annual assessments. Depending on the extent to which the standards have been met, a distinction is made between Gold and Silver competencies. Only partners that have shown consistent high performance and exceptional commitment in a certain area of commerce are given Gold competencies.

COPA-DATA has been a member of the Microsoft Partner Network since 2005 and benefits from access to the latest Microsoft technologies, as well as from extensive information and support resources. Hence, this membership also contributes to the quality and innovative strength of the products and services COPA-DATA offers.

On COPA-DATA

COPA-DATA is the technological leader for ergonomic and highly dynamic process solutions. The company, founded in 1987, develops the software zenon for HMI/SCADA, Dynamic Production Reporting and integrated PLC systems at its headquarters in Austria. zenon is sold through its own offices in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as partners and distributors throughout the world. Customers benefit from local contact persons and local support thanks to a decentralized corporate structure. As an independent company, COPA-DATA can act quickly and flexibly, continues to set new standards in functionality and ease of use and leads the market trends. Over 80,000 installed systems in more than 50 countries provide companies in the Food & Beverage, Energy & Infrastructure, Automotive and Pharmaceutical sectors with new scope for efficient automation.