DECC D&E Communications (MM)

D&E Communications, Inc. (D&E) (NASDAQ: DECC), a leading provider of integrated communications services in central and eastern Pennsylvania, announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions and Network Infrastructure solutions. These competencies recognize D&E Communications' expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, D&E Communications has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and has proven ability to meet customers' needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving D&E a competitive advantage.

D&E has a long-standing history, founded in 1911 with a vision of providing advanced technology and outstanding service to our community and beyond. D&E's Business Solutions offer Voice services, Dedicated Internet Access, IP & Data Services, IT Solutions, Hosting & Co-Location Services, and Haywire computer support. D&E works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and business challenges in order to build the best technology solution for their business.

"We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in two competencies of the Microsoft Partner Program. These successes demonstrate our commitment to our customers requiring application and infrastructure support. This allows D&E Communications to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers," said David Moore, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. "The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for customers."

"Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities," said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. "They need to trust in a company that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies. Microsoft recognizes D&E Communications as a continuing Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology."

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, D&E Communications had to declare a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner's capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry.

The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency is designed for partners that specialize in infrastructure solutions such as storage and systems management; this competency provides the information, tools, and support customers need to help expand their business. Specializations within this competency include Microsoft Active Directory, Storage Solutions, Systems Management Solutions, and Windows Desktop Deployment.

Microsoft partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proven their proficiency in implementing solutions based on Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 Operating Systems, or Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008. These implementations may include crafting solutions that connect Windows-based servers, PC locations and the Internet; installing a server farm; or building a small-business Windows Server stand-alone solution that includes file and print capabilities.

"We place tremendous value on our partners, who help us deliver solutions and applications to customers," said Ward Ralston, group product manager for Windows Server at Microsoft Corp. "Solutions competencies provide an integrated partnering framework that recognizes an enterprise's expertise and rewards it for the effect it has in the technology marketplace. It also allows companies to demonstrate for customers their broad knowledge of building wide-ranging solutions based on Microsoft technologies, such as setting up networks using Windows Server 2008 and the Windows Essential Server Solutions product line."

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft's ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners' businesses be successful.

About D&E Communications

D&E is a leading integrated communications provider offering residential Voice, Video, High Speed Broadband and On-Site Computer Support services as well as business-class Networking, Business Continuity, Professional IT, Security, Voice and Training solutions. Based in Lancaster County, D&E has been serving communities in central Pennsylvania with industry-leading innovation, exceptional customer care and an enterprising spirit for more than 100 years. For more information, visit www.decommunications.com.

Contact person: Thomas E. Morell (717)738-8315