Computer software giants Microsoft on Tuesday formalised a link with local data processing outfit and Wireless Internet Working Multi-Service Provider, i-Net Communications Inc that would see the latter performing functions as agent for the former.

At a brief ceremony on Tuesday morning at i-Net's Robb Street, Lacytown, office, Territory Manager, Microsoft Eastern Caribbean, George Gobin, while announcing i-Net's acceptance to the Microsoft Certified Partner Programme stated that the association opened new gateways for both parties.

With the certification, i-Net will now be fully authorized to resell Microsoft products and licences to local customers and use Infotech Caribbean to provide close-up support to i-Net in areas such as enterprise systems architecture design and ongoing support for their client engagements, Gobin said.

Among the benefits likely to be achieved from certification, according to the territory manager is the facility where partners will obtain Microsoft's programmes up to six months in advance before they are officially launched.

Technical Director of i-Net, Raymond Shaw, saw the partnership as a vehicle through which his company would benefit from the vast technological output of Microsoft.

Managing Director of i-Net, Noel Holder, envisages the company providing -- apart from Internet and wireless services -- network security, e-commerce, installation, configuration and maintenance of web/FTP servers and e-mail servers and network planning and maintenance.

i-Net, it was stated, has established itself as a 'one-stop shop' for business connectivity resulting in it meeting the criteria required to become a member of Microsoft's partner programme.