Along with being one of the largest employers in the greater Seattle area, Microsoft has also helped create a wide network of local vendors and suppliers — all of which are required to meet compliance standards. These standards are included in the Microsoft Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance (SSPA) Program in the form of the Microsoft Supplier Data Protection Requirements (DPR), which EXP has experience helping clients with. There are 56 requirements in all, and many can be bewildering to non-technical readers. Companies must confirm compliance with each one, and any noncompliance can put the company in danger of losing its vendor status — a major concern to say the least.