Mike Hartzog has joined Ramp Group to serve as director of application architecture.

Hartzog's extensive technical management background includes more than 20 years experience. He has served as group development manager at Microsoft and has worked directly with members of the Ramp team in his positions with Best Consulting and HomeGrocer.com.

"Our clients come to us with interesting, often highly complex challenges," explained Robb Nielsen, a member at Ramp. "Mike's deep experience with engagement management practices, as well as his familiarity with our team, make him a great fit for managing our large, technical projects."

Ramp has distinguished itself in its design and development of significant next generation applications. The firm recently was named Service Provider of The Year by the Washington Technology Industry Association. Ramp's clients range from emerging technology companies such as Groundspeak, the leading facilitator for global geocaching, to Washington State's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The firm is also a Preferred Microsoft vendor.

In addition, Ramp recently was named one of the Best Places to Work by Washington CEO Magazine and made the fastest growing companies lists of the Puget Sound Business Journal and Inc. Magazine.