IMGroup Microsoft’s innovation partner of the year

Since Microsoft and partners have been cranking out the news (some of it not involving Sam Adams beer) from their annual worldwide partner conference in Boston this week, surely no one is surprised at another item released today. Pleasantly surprised a bit must be IMGroup brass, though, who were able to announce their second consecutive reception of the prestigious Microsoft Technology Innovation Partner of the Year award in data management / business intelligence solutions.

“It is a privilege to recognise IMGroup as this year’s Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Technology Innovation in Business Intelligence Solutions,” proclaimed Allison Watson, Microsoft worldwide partner sales and marketing group vice president, upon the metaphorical opening of the envelope. IMGroup was chosen from among 2,700 entries. This year’s award was in recognition of the reporting and analytics solution IMGroup developed with UK commercial broadcast network ITV to effectively assess the performance of its programs.

The application uses the entire Microsoft SQL Server 2005 business intelligence platform together with ProClarity’s Analytics. The scalability of SQL Server 2005, combined with the enhanced analytical benefits is designed to allow ITV effective calculation of the profitability of its television and to perform certain necessary analytics necessary. “It is this level of effectiveness in reaching out to our shared customers regarding the value of solutions built on Microsoft technology that enables continued success for us and our partners,” said Watson. “We applaud IMGroup for their achievements this year and offer gratitude for our ongoing collaboration through the Microsoft Partner Program.”

Great, mutter the runners-up, now where’s that beer? IMGroup provided end-to-end information management solutions specializing in the application of the Microsoft business intelligence framework. IMGroup is based in London, UK and IMG products have been implemented in the media and advertising; financial services; petrochemicals; retail; insurance; transport; and pharmaceuticals industries.