1&1 Internet, Inc., (1&1) a web hosting service provider and subsidiary of United Internet, yesterday announced that it has become an official Microsoft Gold Partner.

1&1 was granted a partnership based on its competency in Advanced Infrastructure in Web hosting, Sharepoint and Exchange solutions. According to the company, competency is demonstrated through customer references, individual certifications and/or tested, certified software based on Microsoft technology.

"This partnership allows us to provide our customers with a wider array of software options and new technologies before it's available to our competition," said Andreas Gauger, CEO, 1&1. "The added technical support coupled with 1&1's expertise ensures that we will deliver the necessary innovative edge to enable our customers to operate successfully for the long term."