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Higher Colleges of Technology Runs Pilot Programme of Microsoft Windows Server 2008

HCT is the first educational institution in the region to deploy the new Operating System

DUBAI - Feb. 25, 2008 - Microsoft Gulf today announced that it is running a pilot programme of Windows Server 2008 across the campuses of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the Emirates. Touted as the industry's next-generation operating system, Windows Server 2008 is the successor to Microsoft Windows Server 2003. With the deployment, HCT is Microsoft 's first enterprise customer in the education sector to deploy the new operating system.

Windows Server 2008 is designed to provide organizations with a solid foundation for powering applications, networks and Web services, from the workgroup to the data center. From providing a highly secure, easy-to-use web and applications platform to enhanced security and powerful virtualization technology, Windows Server 2008 is packed with world-class features, making it Microsoft 's most robust, secure and reliable foundation on which to develop, deliver and manage rich user experiences and applications.

Commenting on the association with HCT , Khalid Lootah, Public Sector Director, Microsoft Gulf said, "At Microsoft , we know first-hand that technology can transform education and that learning can become an individualized, exciting experience for all students. As part of its continuous efforts to support the educational sector, Microsoft is continuing to provide educators with resources, training and new technology solutions such as Windows Server 2008. We are very pleased to be able to partner with HCT to bring the benefits of this product to their classrooms."

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of HCT , said, "Technology has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society and the core of education. By integrating the power of technology with our curriculum, we can improve the quality of life and economic vitality of our community by preparing our students for the future. The decision to deploy Windows Server 2008 is in line with our vision of providing our students with a high-quality learning environment. With the new operating system, our campus will now have a highly reliable and flexible enterprise infrastructure. This initiative is in line with HCT 's reputation for being an early adopter of Information and Communication Technologies in education"

As an early adopter of the new Operating System, HCT will commence the process with the testing of existing applications. In an aim to educate users on the new features and functionalities of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft held an exclusive session at HCTs Abu Dhabi Men's College Campus on February 14^th. The management of HCT will explore the various benefits of Windows Server 2008 and will work with Microsoft to develop an effective roadmap to deploy the new system.

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About The Higher Colleges of Technology
The Higher Colleges of Technology is the largest higher educational institution in the United Arab Emirates with the current enrolment exceeding 16,000 students, all UAE nationals. Since the establishment of its four founding colleges in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology have become well respected for innovative learning in the United Arab Emirates. For more information, please visit HCT at www.hct.ac.ae

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

© Press Release 2008