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Oct 16 2011

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Microsoft and Brightpoint Announce Partnership to Bring Windows Phone Devices to Middle East and Africa

Microsoft and its Smartphone partners have worked together closely to create a different kind of phone with new experiences that bring together what people care about most. The Windows Phone Online Shop will offer a centralized destination for consumers across the region to purchase a variety of the latest sleek form factors from various manufacturers of Windows Phone devices, to be delivered to their doorstep.

"Smartphone growth is fuelling the worldwide mobile phone market and Windows Phone is poised to lead this trend. In fact, IDC recently projected that Windows Phone will have the second largest share of the Smartphone market by 2015," said Gustavo Fuchs, Microsoft Mobility Director, Middle East and Africa. "We are seeing huge Smartphone growth in the region and this is expected to continue with a prediction of 38 percent year on year growth for 2012. The launch of the Windows Phone Online Shop will help fuel the appetite of consumers in the region."

"We are pleased to continue our long time partnership with Brightpoint, who have been with us since the first version of Windows Mobile and has now embraced Windows Phone as a part of their portfolio. Brightpoint's wide reach across Middle East and Africa and its globally recognized distribution expertise will ensure consumers will have access to the latest and greatest phones as soon as possible," added Fuchs.

The Windows Phone Online Shop will be available in English, French, Arabic and Turkish and will include many features to optimise the browsing and shopping experience. In addition to buying Windows Phone units online, visitors will be able to compare different models, read reviews, and watch demo videos to get a good understanding of the product range. The site's integrated social media platform will bring people together by letting them make recommendations and share their activities with friends, family and colleagues.

"We are happy to strengthen further our long term relationship with Microsoft in support of their Windows Phone offering," said Anurag Gupta, President of Brightpoint Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Our expertise in offering e-commerce and supply chain solutions will enable consumers across Middle East and Africa to purchase Windows Phone devices online to be delivered to their doorstep. We will continue to invest and expand our portfolio of services and footprint in the Middle East and Africa region."

Windows Phone offers a fresh approach to phone software, distinguished by smart design and truly integrated experiences that bring to the surface the content people care about from the Web and applications. Individual country access to the Windows Phone Online Shop will be rolled out with the first launch set to take place later this year.

"People want a phone that helps them focus on what matters most, works on their behalf and simplifies common tasks. They want a phone that helps manage and organize all of the information that is constantly swirling around them. Windows Phone brings together related content from the web, applications and services into a single view to make life easier. We are excited to deliver this to consumers in the Middle East and Africa," added Fuchs.

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About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About Brightpoint, Inc.
Brightpoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:CELL) is a global leader in providing end-to-end supply chain solutions to leading stakeholders in the wireless industry. In 2010, Brightpoint handled approximately 99 million wireless devices globally. Brightpoint's innovative services include distribution channel management, procurement, inventory management, repair services and reverse logistics, software loading, kitting and customised packaging, fulfilment, product customization, eBusiness solutions, and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Brightpoint's effective and efficient platform allows its customers to benefit from quickly deployed, flexible, and cost effective solutions. Brightpoint has approximately 4,000 employees, as well as a significant number of temporary staff, and a global footprint covering more than 35 countries, including 13 Latin American countries through its investment in Intcomex, Inc. In 2010, Brightpoint generated revenue of $3.6 billion. Brightpoint provides distribution and customised services to over 25,000 B2B customers worldwide. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com, or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents Brightpoint files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Brightpoint's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and Exhibit 99.1, thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

© Press Release 2011