LBi, the world's largest independent marketing and technology agency has again received the Microsoft gold certified partnership accolade and continues to provide clients with best-in-class digital solutions built on Microsoft technologies. LBi was able to achieve the Gold Certified partnership because of the large number of successful client implementations on Microsoft technologies in 2009 and also LBi increased the number of certified developers in the network by 15%.

"The Microsoft and LBi partnership represents a great opportunity to deliver innovative solutions to clients." says Matt Pilgrim, Partner Account Manager at Microsoft. "With Microsoft's Platform, development tools and increasing functionality and interoperability across the range of products, there is a great base for LBi to add to their creative flair and technology insight to empower their clients with productivity improving solutions and compelling experiences across a range of delivery mediums."

LBi's breadth and depth of skills and delivery of successful services and solutions has seen LBi gain Microsoft competencies in SOA and Business Process, Information Worker Solutions (Enterprise Content Management and Forms Specialization), Mobility Solutions, Custom Development Solutions (Web Development Specialization) and Business Intelligence. These Microsoft competencies have helped LBi achieve the Gold Certified Partnership with Microsoft for the fourth year running.

Anil Pillai, Managing Director for LBi UK, says "Our clients are increasingly asking us to participate in defining opportunities to innovate using digital media. Our partnership has deepened over the last few years offering us more insight into some of the tremendous research and development on platforms and devices coming through the Microsoft stable. These early views provide our teams with inspiration and input into new and innovative ideas for brand marketing and consumer engagement."

LBi has been a Microsoft partner for over ten years and the relationship has seen a significant investment in people, training and infrastructure at LBi offices worldwide. Riaz Ahmed, Head of Microsoft Solutions at LBi values the partnership:

"I encourage my developers to keep up with the latest innovations and products from Microsoft and this partnership helps LBi tap into product and research teams at Microsoft. We get to find out what's coming up and get the necessary training and support to help put a best in class Microsoft technology solution in place for our clients. We've had some great client success stories with solutions built on .NET, Commerce Server, SharePoint, BizTalk and SQL Server. At LBi blending technology, creativity and user experience is key, our relationships and engagements span various industries and we have developed Microsoft solutions for some of the world's most recognised brands including Sony, Marks & Spencer, BT, Toyota, HMV, Volvo, NHS, Sara Lee, Newell Rubbermaid and many more."

LBi has a stella track record of developing cutting edge Microsoft solutions whether it's developing the next large scale multi-language CMS platform on SharePoint, an international multi-branded eCommerce solution on Commerce Server and BizTalk or an international campaign site developed on .NET and SQL Server. What makes these projects so successful is the ability to combine these technology implementations with great design and user experience as well as the insights of marketing strategy and planning.

"2010 is a big year for technology at LBi" added Mr Ahmed. "and with an array of new Microsoft products spanning multiple devices and platforms, you can count on LBi utilising them to develop something exciting and technologically innovative for our clients."

Global Marketing and Technology agency LBi hire ex Anorak founder and MD Glenn Jones as Client Partner and Client Services Director.

LBi UK is excited to welcome Glenn Jones as Client Partner overseeing Barratt Homes, Invesco Perpetual, Food Standards Agency, Waterstones and Tourism Ireland. Glenn will also take on the role of UK Client Services Director. Glenn Jones joins LBi from Isobar where he was founder and MD of the network's merged Anorak and de-construct entity. Glenn also sat on the Isobar UK exec committee helping to identify new integrated business opportunities for the group.

As Client Partner Glenn will be responsible for ensuring valuable and strategic client relationships are in place across all accounts. Glenn will also be taking on the responsibility for leading the development of the Client Services department as Client Service Director in the coming months.

Glenn founded Anorak digital out of glue London in late 2006 to provide a high-end digital design and production agency for the Aegis-owned Isobar group. Responsibilities included the day-to-day running of a digital creative agency, leading and managing senior client engagements, recruitment and retention of staff and leading agency new business responses. In the summer of 2009 Glenn began work on the merger of Anorak digital and sister creative agency de-construct which was completed in Oct 2009. In the past, Glenn has led Nokia, Absolut, Sky, Birds Eye, Airmiles, Johnson & Johnson, Coke, Virgin Atlantic, COI, Virgin Money, Channel 4 and Gillette.

Glenn Jones is excited to be onboard.
"There is an incredible self-belief and confidence here. To find an agency with such a talented group of people, expertise and credibility in such a wide range of services, combined with real creative ambition is very rare and very exciting to be a part of."

Anil Pillai, MD of the UK office says: "Im thrilled Glenn has taken on the challenge of Client Partner at LBi. He is a relaxed and confident leader whose skills are an excellent match for our proposition to clients. His experience of delivering solutions to leading brands that blend of creativity, social and media will inject more ambition to our established client relationships. I look forward to working with him over the coming years and welcome his contributions to the development of the agency."