Gold Certification Shows Growing Status of SOS as Expert for Complete Voice and Data Network Support

Rocklin, Calif. - Mar. 1, 2006 - SOS, a leading provider of voice, data, and telephony management solutions for midsize and small businesses, has been named a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, the highest level of certification given by the software manufacturer.

"SOS is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner which means that they have demonstrated superior levels of successful implementations, capabilities and certification," according to the Seattle-based software giant. "Microsoft Gold Certified Partners are required to meet rigorous requirements for certification and expertise. SOS has reached the status of Gold Certified Partner by demonstrating increased levels of developer certification, deep real-world experience, and by providing completed customer reference projects that were independently verified by Microsoft."

Through engagement with Microsoft, Microsoft Gold Certified Partners have in-depth access to a variety of exclusive resources and early product information. Resources include priority access to a support team of Microsoft certified systems engineers, non-disclosure evaluation of new products and technologies, as well as planning tools and events to keep up to speed on the latest Microsoft product developments and future direction. Of 14,000 Microsoft Certified Partners nationwide, about 10 percent are Gold Certified Partners.

"Given the number of choices in the data network support and telephony market today, customers want to know, 'Who is committed to quality and best practices? Who offers the best skills and expertise? Who can bridge the gap between my business demands and technology capabilities?'" said SOS CEO Gia McNutt. "SOS has clearly demonstrated that its services are robust and credible."

The latest news reflects the strong momentum that SOS has gained in the past year.

• Revenue for 2005 totaled $8.7 million, up from $7.5 million the previous year. The company has set a goal of $12 million for the current year.


• Service-related revenue accounted for 32 percent of total revenue, up from 25 percent last year. This shows that SOS more and more is tapped for its expertise in integrating various VoIP hardware and software products and making them work well, not just selling equipment. SOS has shown particular expertise in network security.


• The company staff grew from 23 to 32 people. Among the new arrivals is Matt Recore, who joined in November as Convergence Design Engineer. Previously a senior systems engineer for Cisco Systems, Matt supported the largest and most competitive accounts in the San Francisco region. He was also the Cisco e-commerce specialist in northern California and co-wrote the "Cisco Internet Architecture Essentials Self-Study Guide."

As 2006 got under way, SOS again increased its in-house expertise with the hiring of Jeff Palazzo as Director of Sales. While new on the payroll, Jeff is no stranger to SOS. For five years he was the Cisco channel account manager who worked with SOS and helped bring it to its current status of Cisco Premier Partner and IP Specialized.

Not only are top Cisco experts joining the SOS fold, but Cisco itself looks to SOS for advice. CEO Gia McNutt, a member of the Cisco Advisory Board Council, was invited in early February to Cisco CEO John Chambers' Executive Staff meeting to discuss better ways that Cisco might serve small and medium-size businesses.

Roughly three-quarters of large U.S. companies have already made the switch to IP telephony. As small and medium-sized companies join the trend toward VoIP, SOS has launch a redesigned Web site this month that offers checklists, tips, case studies, and other tools to help visitors evaluate and prepare for the transition to VoIP.

About SOS

SOS, the leading provider of integrated advanced communications solutions for midsize and small businesses, supplies voice, data, and telephony management services that enable organizations to simplify communications, enhance productivity, and leverage real-time business intelligence. Often deployed over a single Internet Protocol platform, SOS's solutions bridge the gap between legacy phone/data services and sophisticated telephony systems. With 32 full-time individuals on its professional services staff, including pre-sales engineers, SOS has more certified implementers than any other regional firm. The SOS team has designed and implemented more than 100 state of the art IP telephony solutions - connecting tens of thousands of users in dozens of states. For over a decade, SOS has ranked among the 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the Sacramento region. SOS is headquartered in Rocklin, California with sales offices in the northwest. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.teamsos.com or call 916.632.8800.

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Rebekah E. Donaldson

Business Communications Group LLC

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