DALLAS, Texas, December 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- 2X Software, the international vendor for virtualization and server-based software solutions, has achieved Microsoft Gold competency status for its software development expertise. With Microsoft's recent partner program changes, partners can receive Gold or Silver competency designations in specific technical capability areas.

Whereas Gold Partner designation previously highlighted general capabilities, Microsoft's new standards allow ISVs to specifically highlight areas of expertise and specialization. As Microsoft Partner Network competency standards have become more rigorous, Microsoft expects that only ISVs visibly demonstrating consistent, effective technical expertise within a specific business solution area will receive Gold competency designation. Microsoft will continue to promote its new Microsoft Partner Network competencies through dedicated marketing channels, as it seeks to provide its partners with the recognition they need for their continued success.

2X established and met the challenging goal of receiving the Gold competency designation by the start of Microsoft's partner program changes. "Recent Microsoft Partner Network changes have significantly raised the bar for Microsoft partners, making achieving Gold competency status an even greater challenge," explained Nikolaos Makris, CEO of 2X Software. "At 2X, we chose to concentrate resources to meet Microsoft's new standards from day one. By meeting such rigorous standards, our new Microsoft Gold competency status reinforces 2X Software's effective support for Microsoft virtualization solutions, and our dedicated commitment as a Microsoft partner."