Welcome to the final Ascent newsletter of the calendar year. The past 12 months have been particularly busy for us, as we welcomed on board a good number of new clients, the majority of whom are running Microsoft and Oracle platforms. Furthermore, 2012 brought with it a number of interesting moments and milestones of which we would like to share a few with you.
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 release
Following the release of Microsoft’s SQL Server 2012, it did not take long before Ascent witnessed strong uptake amongst its client base. SQL Server 2012 offers a range of additional value-adds which our clients are now unlocking. Many are already making use of the Always-On, Self Service Business Intelligence and Data Quality Services that come standard with this new version. They are also benefiting from the new SQL Server’s greatly improved performance.
Database Security and Compliance
With the increasing body of legislation dedicated to the protection of corporate data, there is little doubt that this topic is high on the agenda of every business today. Ascent has certainly noticed an increasing interest being taken in our Security and Compliance offerings by clients, as they seek answers to the critical questions around the whereabouts of, access to, and privacy of critical company and client data.
We anticipate this area will continue to grow in importance next year and with this in mind, Ascent will continue to provide answers and solutions to all its clients’ Database Security and Compliance questions and requirements.
Data Platform Partner of the Year
A nice milestone for us in 2012 was our continued strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, with Ascent consecutively winning the Data Platform Partner of the Year award. The award is clear recognition of the fact that we are consistently considered one of the leaders in the country in the Data Platform space, underlined by the fact that this was our fifth finalist nomination in succession.
Data Management Newsletter
We also began a collaboration with ITWeb this year which saw the launch of a monthly Data Management Newsletter, sponsored by Ascent. Three have been produced in 2012 and with each new one, the readership numbers have grown. Already, there are over 5 500 subscribers to this newsletter, a clear indication of just how important Data Management is considered by businesses.
Aimed at keeping readers on top of all things Data Management, this newsletter should not be missed. If you have not yet had the opportunity to sign up for this informative offering, you can do so here.
The Last Word
As 2012 winds down, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients, both existing and new. Ascent appreciates your business and we are looking forward to continuing to serve you in the New Year, which will be our 10th year of existence.
In closing then, we would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Festive Season. Whatever you are doing during the holidays, do it safely and we hope you return in 2013 rested, refreshed and ready for business.
By: Johan Lamberts