Experiential technology event to give IT professionals in Kuwait a chance to experience new solutions

Open Door to be supported by HP and IBM as strategic partners across the Gulf

Lenovo, Samsung, Dell, Afkar and ITEC as other key partners participating in Open Door

Kuwait 15 February 2012 -- Microsoft today announced that it will bring the next generation of products and services to Kuwait as part of its experiential Open Door event, on February 15th and 16th 2012 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The two-day event will give IT professionals in Kuwait an opportunity to experience a range of soon-to-be-released solutions from Microsoft and its partners.

Open Door Kuwait is one of five Microsoft experiential technology showcases taking place in the Gulf region in 2012, reaching people across five countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Regional sponsors for Gulf Open Door are IBM and HP. The Kuwait edition of the event is expected to gather industry leaders in an effort to allow them to experience new solutions, and support technologically enabled economic development in what is fast becoming one of the fastest growing markets in the region. 

 "Through initiatives such as Open Door, Microsoft helps small and medium sized companies grow by providing them with access to technologies they need to reach their unlimited potential," said Ehab Mostafa, Country Manager, Microsoft Kuwait. "At Microsoft, we are firm believers in technology's ability to facilitate business growth. We are very proud to be bringing Microsoft Open Door to Kuwait and engage with our current and future partners."

During the event, Microsoft will not only provide access to pioneering next-generation IT solutions but also discuss ways and means to help businesses improve their productivity and Return on Investment (ROI) using technology. In addition, a special focus will be given to cloud computing, with Microsoft showcasing its latest innovations and the cloud capabilities that Microsoft Office 365, Windows Azure and Windows bring to businesses and consumers.

 "At HP, we are always on the lookout for partnerships and collaborations that efficiently serve our customers and the IT community," said  Alaa AL-Shimy Enterprise, Storage, Servers and Networking (ESSN) Director, HP Middle East. "Microsoft Open Door presents an opportunity for us to showcase the latest technology and solutions together with our partners and contribute to the growth of the IT industry in Kuwait."

"IT is an essential component to any successful business and with the right mix of solutions and tools, businesses can simply enhance productivity and efficiency in the most cost-effective way, "said Guy England   Business Unit Executive, IBM Middle East. "We are excited about the partnership with Microsoft Gulf for Open Door and see this platform as an opportunity to connect and engage with leaders from the Business in Kuwait." 

In addition to the list of roundtables and discussions, a session focusing on potential technology solutions and projects to support Kuwait's competitiveness in line with the existing 5-year economic and government plan will take place during the event.

About Microsoft Gulf

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is www.microsoft.com/middle east

For more information
Abeer Kamal
Marketing Manager - Microsoft Kuwait                   
Tel: +965 22430248                                                
Email:  abeerk@microsoft.com

Rosie Muhanna
Weber Shandwick Kuwait
Tel: 965 2232 2998  
Email: rosie.muhanna@ws-mena.com

© Press Release 2012