"Gulfnet Cloud" becomes country's first cloud computing offering developed on Microsoft technologies

Kuwait: April 20, 2010: Gulfnet Communications in partnership with Microsoft Kuwait today introduced new computing concepts driven by the combination of the Internet and cloud services. Based on Microsoft technologies the new offering known as "Gulfnet Cloud" is the country's first cloud computing offering that is set to benefit small and medium businesses in Kuwait to help them communicate efficiently and drive business success.

Based on Microsoft technologies Gulfnet Cloud provides complete mobility, seamless scalability, high security and guaranteed privacy of proprietary data stored and exchanged. Gulfnet Cloud business solutions also ensure total compatibility and integration with all Microsoft products and services as well as with third party solution providers. It is an ideal business collaboration platform with a myriad of powerful and highly scalable solutions that provide seamless collaboration features.

Commenting on the launch,  Ehab Mostafa, Country Manager, Microsoft Kuwait, said, "We are on the verge of a new era in computing, in which innovative software applications on intelligent devices, complemented by Internet-based data storage and services, will offer small and medium businesses (SMBs) increased control over their information while enabling seamless experiences across multiple devices. This next generation of computing holds enormous potential as SMBs can look at the cloud as a cost-saving alternative that is flexible and convenient. We are pleased to partner with Gulfnet to launch this new offering in Kuwait with the aim of stimulating and enabling the country's SMBs to become more agile and competitive."

Wael Al-Sultan, COO, Gulfnet Communications added "It gives us great pride to be the first company to introduce a cloud computing offering in Kuwait. Gulfnet Communications and Microsoft enjoy a long-standing relationship and with this cloud offering, we hope that small and medium businesses will recognize the convenience, security and reliability of both on-premise software and Web-based services which in turn will give them more control and flexibility over the technology they deploy - all at reduced costs. We believe this is the right balance that will help them achieve business success in today's economy."

Microsoft's vision for the cloud focuses on empowering customers and offering them unprecedented flexibility in choosing client plus cloud combinations. . By complementing traditional on-premises and device-based software with Internet-based storage and services, the cloud offers many benefits, including cost savings and efficiencies; choice and flexibility; access to greater computing power and the latest software and early access to new technologies.

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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 and the UAE. Microsoft Corporation's address on the worldwide web is: www.microsoft.com and Microsoft's Gulf web site is: www.microsoft.com/gulf.

About Gulfnet Communications
Founded in 1991, Gulfnet Communications, a member of KIPCO Group, is Kuwait's first Internet and Online Data Services provider that offers secure, reliable, high-speed and any-to-any communications solutions in addition to a host of diversified and innovative online value added services to both residential and corporate customers. Gulfnet Website is: www.gulfnet.com.kw and Gulfnet Could web is cloud.gulfnet.con.kw

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp. disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp. shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

Gulfnet Contact
Jolian Ibrahim
Tel: +965 66350870
Email: Jolian.ibrahim@gulfnet.com.kw

© Press Release 2010