Bermuda-based Accenture teamed up with global IT consultancy firm Avanade to win the 2008 Microsoft Enterprise Alliance Partner of the Year Award.

The two companies were chosen from an international field of Microsoft partners who deliver customer solutions built on Microsoft technology.

This marks the fourth time that Accenture and Avanade have jointly won the award, more than any other Microsoft Enterprise Alliance Partner. They were also selected in 2006, 2004 and 2001.

"We are honored to once again receive this prestigious award from Microsoft, which recognises our shared commitment to delivering innovative business solutions to enterprises and public institutions around the globe," said Don Rippert, Accenture's chief technology officer.

Accenture and Avanade were selected as leading across Microsoft's 13 major geographic regions, with each region's enterprise team selecting and ranking its top five partners.

The Microsoft worldwide industry managers also participated in the voting to select the winning partner.