Ekco wins Microsoft Ireland Rising Star Partner of the Year Award 2023 for Security

Ekco, Europe’s fastest growing security-first managed cloud provider, has won the Microsoft Ireland Rising Star Partner of the Year Award 2023 for Security, which recognises the partner who excels in providing innovative and unique customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

“We’re honoured to have been recognised by Microsoft among a field of top partners,” said Steve MacNicholas, CEO Ireland at Ekco. “Microsoft’s cloud-based services are a key component in the technology portfolio of many organisations operating in the country, and this award highlights our level of expertise and experience in the suite of Microsoft solutions. Thank you to Microsoft for their partnership, and thanks especially to our talented team for continually challenging themselves to develop the best solutions for our customers, and achieve excellence in delivery.”

This year Ekco worked with Microsoft on a number of initiatives, the most notable of which was its collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in developing the Secure Configuration Framework for Microsoft Office 365, which focuses on security best practices for Microsoft business suite. This framework provides guidelines and support for government and businesses on how to optimally configure Office 365 to meet their compliance obligations and leverage the features and capabilities that are present within the service. These guidelines will be regularly updated by Ekco, the NCSC, and Microsoft to ensure they keep up with Microsoft product updates and the changing security landscape.

Over the past few months Ekco has achieved four Microsoft Specializations, which has further acknowledged the company’s technical skills and excellence in customer delivery.

Pat O’Callaghan, Commercial Director of Security at Ekco, said, “Earning these solution designations requires meeting stringent criteria, such as demonstrating ongoing support of customers for the past 24 months, and having the requisite track record and in-house skills to offer advanced capabilities, proven by our team achieving the relevant certifications and technical assessments in each area of specialisation. These achievements highlight the depth of expertise Ekco offers our customers to ensure they have everything they need to work efficiently and securely in Microsoft’s cloud-powered productivity platform.”