positive feedback from its customers — recently earned an even higher honor.

Forza, a Yalesville-based company specializing in network integration and software development, achieved Gold Certified status through Microsoft for its competency in network infrastructure solutions and overall impact in the technology marketplace.

“We had to pass a lot of exams and show them some of our success stories,” said Joe Pannone, the founder and chief executive officer of Forza. “There is a point system through Microsoft that goes up as they get positive feedback from our clients. Gold status is the highest you can achieve through the program, so obviously we’re thrilled with it.”

“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp., said in a written statement. “Microsoft Gold Certified partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies.”

Forza clients took an Internet survey through Microsoft about their experience with the company, Pannone said. Forza became a Microsoft partner in 1995, using their software to provide services to small businesses.

“It was definitely a goal of ours to get this Gold Certified status, but you never know how clients are going to respond to surveys,” Pannone said. “We know we do good work and we assume they like us because they keep coming back.”