The partnership will give Rocom's vast network of customers access to the highly specialised data skills and expertise of SICL and its staff - a key factor behind SICL's rapid and successful growth since it was first established ten years ago.

"SICL has built a company steeped in data-based network provision and support, as well as knowledge of the fast-moving technology needed to deliver business-critical services and applications," said SICL Managing Director Ashley Woodman.

"Our staff, some of whom are trained to Cisco's "Academy Instructor" level are among the most highly qualified in the UK and we are very proud to now be partnering with Rocom to ensure that businesses from the Midlands to the very Northern reaches of England can be confident that their move towards the 21st Century network can be handled smoothly and professionally."

The new partnership gives Rocom - a BT Gold partner and a leading name in providing quality integrated communications solutions through a broad range of market channels - a partner to support its customers with the move towards the data-focused world. The move comes at a time when market research shows that businesses will be looking for data solutions based expertise rather than a voice based background when choosing their move into the new technology. The appointment of SICL is part of Rocom's "Ultimate Network" strategy - designed to make it the ideal one-stop-shop for voice and data for its channel partners.

"Rocom's brand and position in the market demands the very best and in SICL we have a partner with a truly world-level degree of expertise and track record in delivering the solutions our customers need," said Rocom Network Director Lee Williams.

"SICL came through a rigorous evaluation and quite apart from their sheer technical knowledge and commitment to business-critical service delivery, we were also struck by their passion, their enthusiasm and their vision of where the technology is going."

Established in 1995, SICL has built a highly regarded reputation for delivering high quality and cost effective communication and IT solutions on time, to budget and with the highest degree of quality. Over the years the company has developed a prestigious customer base across many organisations in the public and private sectors. The company has grown in size each year, focusing on investment in people and technical capabilities. The growth has largely arisen from repeat business from satisfied clients, many that have long term support contracts.