London, UK, 22 May 2000 - GFI, supplier of security and communications tools for Windows NT, has been named the Microsoft Fusion 2000 (GEM) Package Application Partner of the Year. This prestigious award was granted to GFI on the basis of the business value that the company's fax server, FAXmaker for Exchange delivers to the customer.

"We are delighted to have won this award," announced Nick Galea, GFI CEO. "This Microsoft Fusion award reflects the GFI team's dedication to quality in developing efficient, cost-effective, and practical solutions. We are proud of this endorsement from Microsoft and pleased to be recognized for our contribution to the Windows NT platform."

To participate in the Microsoft Partner of the Year, GFI had to demonstrate a strong business model that is well positioned for the future, along with a firm commitment to the Microsoft platforms. Entries were judged on the basis of real life examples which showed the business value delivered by the product, including financial benefits, ROI, increased market share, reduced operating costs, and improved productivity.

The Microsoft Packaged Application Partner of the Year trophy was awarded to GFI in a special Fusion 2000 ceremony hosted by Microsoft in Dubai, UAE that was attended by some 1,000 Microsoft Certified Solution Providers from the Gulf & Eastern Mediterranean region.

Last year, as a result of its focus on Microsoft technologies and its strategic partnership with Microsoft, GFI won the Microsoft/CMP Winning on Windows Award as one of the fastest growing Windows ISVs.

GFI's FAXmaker for Exchange is a leading Exchange fax connector. Apart from offering seamless integration with Exchange Server, FAXmaker includes many enterprise features including remote administration, user configuration, least cost routing and high scalability. These features have made it a choice for many large corporations, including the IRS (USA) and Telstra. Currently, FAXmaker has installations of up to 70,000 users.

FAXmaker for Exchange has been on the market since 1996, when it was one of the first Exchange fax connectors to be launched. Since then, the product has leapt from strength to strength. To date over 30,000 fax connectors have been sold. A further 20,000-30,000 free 5-user versions are currently in use worldwide. According to GFI’s market research, FAXmaker for Exchange is the most popular fax connector for Exchange.

FAXmaker for Exchange has been awarded Product of the Year by Communications Solutions Magazine in 1999 and by CTI Magazine in 1998, as well as being selected as CTI Magazine Editor's Choice 1999. The product has also featured in a variety of enthusiastic reviews by respected publications and sites such as Windows 2000 Magazine, PC Plus, Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine and others.