Xero Live has become Microsoft’s first local ISV partner to obtain Gold certification as a hosted solution provider.
Microsoft has awarded Gold certified partner status to the online accounting systems provider in the ISV/Software Solutions and Mobility, and Hosted Solution Provider categories.
Xero chief executive Rod Drury says passing the requirements was a "robust test" of the company’s technologies, and was part of the company's plan.
In a statement, Microsoft New Zealand managing director Helen Robinson said the move gives customers greater assurance of quality when dealing with Xero.
“Xero's application is a good example of how we see many software vendors delivering their products in the future, as an amalgam of great client software and back-end services,” Robinson says.
Meanwhile former Trade Me development manager Rowan Simpson has joined Xero this week in a product strategy role. This appointment follows that of the online auction website’s founder Sam Morgan to the Xero board of directors in March.