17 March 2015
• First telecom operator in Kuwait to offer this service to corporate customers

• Cooperation with Microsoft and Vodafone in line with Zain's strategy on empowering Enterprises and SMEs

Kuwait - Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, announced the launch of Microsoft Office 365 innovative solutions to its corporate customers in cooperation with Vodafone. The offering is a software service providing cutting-edge productivity applications and communication services to Enterprises and SME. The launch of these new innovative solutions strengthens Zain's leading position as a unified communications provider in Kuwait and across the region.
 
The announcement was made during a press conference the company held at its main headquarters with the attendance of Zain Kuwait's Chief Commercial Officer Mariam Ali, Microsoft Kuwait's General Manager Charles Nahas, Zain Kuwait's Corporate Communications and Relations Director Waleed Al Khashti, and Zain Kuwait's Corporate Marketing Senior Manager Bilal Agha.

Zain is the first telecom operator in Kuwait to introduce this service to corporate customers, which provides a variety of services including business class e-mail, cloud storage and file sharing, in addition to the Microsoft Office suite. Through the launch of this service, Zain is targeting Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME) with the suite of solutions, and has devised two attractive bundles that were specifically designed to suit corporate customers' needs.

Commenting on the introduction of Office 365, Zain Kuwait CCO, Mariam Ali said, "This is a significant development by Zain Kuwait given Zain Group's stated intention to focus closely on the offer of premium services to Enterprises and SME's across the region, empowering them in their day to day business dealings. We are also very proud to be supported in this endeavour by our partners Vodafone and Microsoft - two leading global companies that have placed a great deal of faith in the Kuwaiti market."

Charles Nahas, Microsoft Kuwait's General Manager said, "Nearly three years ago, we made Office 365 available in Kuwait. Today we are continuing our efforts by providing an offering with Zain designed to meet the needs of SMBs, with a focus on those with up to 100 employees, providing easy, low-cost access to cloud-based technology with no infrastructure costs. Office 365 is transformational for businesses of all sizes, but levels the playing field for small and midsized businesses (SMBs) in particular because it makes enterprise-grade tools affordable and easy to set up and manage. We are pleased to work with Zain to provide the Kuwait's SMBs with communication and collaboration tools which have been designed to enhance productivity, promote collaboration and reduce operational costs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Vodafone and Zain for their partnership and commitment as we work together to provide Kuwait's SMBs with access to the latest cloud collaboration and productivity solutions."

Through the introduction of Office 365, Zain Kuwait's corporate customers will benefit from enhanced productivity, increased efficiency, and reduced costs. The two Office 365 enabled bundles introduced strengthen Zain's portfolio of services for SMEs, allowing them to now be able to purchase all the services they require from one supplier, through one support center, and in one monthly bill.

Zain Kuwait was able to enter this historic agreement with Microsoft for Office 365 as a result of Zain Group's non-equity Partner Market relationship with Vodafone, which it entered into in September 2012. Vodafone is a world-leader in the provision of telecom services to enterprises, and Zain was able to leverage this experience and credibility in order for Microsoft to extend its relationship with Vodafone to Zain Group.

Zain's introduction of Office 365 innovative solutions in Kuwait is the first major step in the company's strategic plan to introduce more distinctive digital services dedicated to corporate customers. Zain believes that corporations are unique by nature and require unique services that recognize and satisfy their needs promptly and efficiently, and today's announcement is a testament of that belief.

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© Press Release 2015