For Avanade, the Accenture/Microsoft joint venture that provides business technology solutions and managed services, it is not enough to use the latest Microsoft technologies to run its business. It also has to demonstrate compelling expertise in those technologies to win new business. The company saw the chance to do both with the release of Windows Server 2012, Microsoft System Center 2012 and Windows 8. The traditional solution for that need has been the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). It provides security, a must for the exchange of customer-specific and other sensitive data.