The new efficiency aims to enable businesses to build information systems that are more flexible, cost effective and help people to understand and respond to changing business conditions with greater insight and speed than ever before.

Addressing a press conference at Gitex, Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Gulf said, “As countries in every corner of the globe work to emerge from tough market conditions, Microsoft is committed to providing innovative technology products and services that will provide the fuel to help reignite the engine of economic growth. We believe that our software solutions for the new efficiency can help companies manage the short and long end of a downturn by driving down costs and improving operations. This year is an exciting year from a product launch and innovation perspective and it will really lay the foundation for Microsoft in the region for the next 2 years.”

Anil Kumar, General Manager Personal System Group HP Middle East, “said, “Our customers are asking us how they can use technology to drive down costs and enhance operational efficiencies. With new offerings such as Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server, organizations can realize significant cost savings. These new technologies have the potential to reshape the workplace and deliver dramatic benefits to the enterprise and will enable companies to unleash the full potential of their people to build profitable relationships with customers, spearhead new innovations and drive business success.”

With Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft is building on the award-winning foundation of Windows Server 2008 by expanding existing technology and adding new innovations that enable customers to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. New virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements and exciting Windows 7 integration will help customers increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructures.

Microsoft will also launch Exchange 2010 which is the latest version of Microsoft’s premier enterprise messaging and collaboration solution. As Exchange continues to grow in market share, it has become the cornerstone of Microsoft’s vision for unified communications. With new deployment and storage options, enhanced inbox management capabilities and e-mail archiving built-in, Exchange 2010 helps organizations lower costs and achieve new levels of reliability and performance.

“For Microsoft, this is about more than just the Windows business – it’s about technology and product innovation and engaging with our regional partners, customers and governments to help drive socio-economic growth,” added Fakhoury.

Windows 7 is available to for a Gitex-only preview to visitors of the show.. With Windows 7, Microsoft is delivering a foundation for unmatched customer experiences across applications, services, and devices. It delivers innovative new features and simplicity that enable end users to be productive no matter where they are or where their data resides.

Microsoft Gulf is playing a leading role at Gitex Technology Week, including high level speakers who will deliver a range of presentations throughout the exhibition. In addition, Microsoft will host an ‘experience stand’ at Gitex Shopper to showcase how users can take advantage of the powerful new functionality of Windows 7, Windows Phone, and Windows Live.

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Under the agreement, Al Rajhi will introduce a Visa-Microsoft “Aamal” credit card, which will become the first Visa Microsoft co-branded credit card in Saudi Arabia. Saudi-based IT and communications solution provider Al-Falak Electronic Equipment & Supplies Co. will provide the Microsoft programmes required for the new service.

Saeed Al Ghamdi, Deputy CEO of Al Rajhi Bank, explained that the bank is issuing the card in order to enhance the operations of SMEs by enabling them to adopt advanced technologies that will help them to keep pace with the rapid growth of the Saudi IT sector.

“We encourage innovative ideas which will improve the productivity of private and public establishments. Through our “Aamal” credit card, we will offer facilities that can help achieve business success,” said Al Gahmdi.

Ihab Ayoub, General Manager, Visa, KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen, said: “This agreement will utilize Microsoft’s programming expertise and Al Rajhi’s financial services to enhance the contributions of SMEs to national economic development.
We remain committed to providing these services with flexible payment facilities they may need, to further integrate and develop into their business system.”

The Visa-Microsoft “Aamal” credit card helps SMEs better manage their cash flow while being involved in building infrastructure, improving efficiencies, enhancing employee productivity and reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The card also represents a lower risk tool for SMEs compared to cheques, and is cost-effective as transactions can be controlled by authorization. Moreover, this card reduces the dependency on petty cash.  

“Our partnership with Visa and Al Rajhi Bank is part of our strategy of supporting the IT sector and using modern technology, particularly our advanced IT products and services, to assist locally-based companies from various industries in optimizing their operations. We hope that this agreement will help in the development of the Kingdom’s IT sector and encourage companies to enhance their performance in accordance with the highest standards of excellence and quality,” added Khaled Al Dhaher, Director General, Microsoft KSA.

Visa Commercial offers a programme especially designed to help SME businesses save costs and attain better returns. With a suite of discounts and benefits offered by leading solutions providers can help the operation’s cost in check and enable the smooth running of its business.

Visa will provide the electronic payment services needed to facilitate the business transactions of Aamal card holders and through al Rajhi bank the card will extend payment installments facilities for their purchase of Microsoft products.  The unique initiative complements the commitment of the three companies to providing additional assistance for SMEs and promoting a competitive work environment that supports the Kingdom’s economic diversity.

The strategic move comes in line with Microsoft’s commitment towards empowering the channel with leading product PC hardware such as Microsoft gaming devices, keyboards, mice, webcams, and headsets, as well as the highly demanded, Microsoft Mac Office.

The Dubai based ITE will be responsible for distributing in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.

“We have chosen to partner with ITE Distribution because of its well-established regional network and longstanding success in the IT retail sector,” said Armagan Demir, Head of Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Middle East. “ITE Distribution has a strong portfolio and a clear understanding on the retail industry; this strategic partnership will further expand our reach and reinforce our channel expansion and growth.”

“Our success is matched with our strategic alliance with well reputed companies and brands in the region,” said Shams Jafery, Director – Business Development, ITE Distribution.”We are proud to partner with Microsoft Gulf and we are committed to offering our expertise and extensive support to boost Microsoft’s market share across the region. We look forward to a long-term and successful relationship with Microsoft.”

ITE Distribution is a 18-year-strong, IT distribution company and their product portfolio includes Belkin, Iomega, Kingston, Labtec, Logitech, Palm, Symantec, Targus and Tucano.