AMMAN, Jordan July 24th, 2002 - "Microsoft, the Worldwide leader in software technologies announced today the launch of the Arab Academy for Microsoft Technologies in collaboration with the local Jordanian Arab Software Company for Development and Training," announced Mr. David Driftmier, Microsoft Director of International Education, today during the meeting with H.M. King Abdullah II.

The common goal behind this cooperation is to jointly establish an Arab Academy focused on developing skills on Microsoft Technologies Microsoft Technologies to provide both the Jordanian and Regional markets with highly qualified professionals in Microsoft related technologies. To achieve this goal Microsoft will provide the Arab Academy for Microsoft Technologies with the know-how, early access to its technologies and products that will be needed for the thorough training of instructors. Furthermore both parties aim to increase the knowledge and use of Microsoft products and technology within Jordan and hence, establishing a stronger local IT market in the Kingdom.

"As part of Jordan's ICT initiative we are encouraged to see the growth of training facilities in Jordan as this is an integral part of the development of the sector. Jordan has a very strong role to play in the software development community of the Middle East," said His Excellency, Minister of Information and Communications Technology. "We encourage other IT companies to take the same initiative, basing development centres in Jordan to make use of the local skill-sets to develop international solutions, increasing the opportunities for Jordanians to demonstrate their capabilities both at home and abroad."

"Microsoft is committed to the Arab Academy for Microsoft Technologies initiative and its goal of building progressive workforce development programs in local communities," said Mr. Charbel Fakhoury, Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean General Manager. "The Academy is an innovative IT education facility focused around Microsoft .Net technologies that would expand students' skills and career opportunities and directly address the IT workforce shortage in the community locally and regionally."

"Our mission is to enhance Jordanian IT skills, through professional training of IT professionals in the use and development of Microsoft software products and

technologies. Also, the Academy will provide skills on Microsoft Business Solutions and Microsoft Solution Framework and Project Management and Management Training", said Mr. Aiman Mazahreh- President, Arab Academy for Microsoft Technologies. "Our vision is to become a leading National and Regional Technological Academy to act as a prime training organization for Microsoft based technologies in the Middle East", added Mr. Mazahreh.

"High-quality educational institutions such as the Arab Academy for Microsoft Technologies form an integral and vital solution in facing Jordan's ongoing challenge to maintain a continuous supply of skilled human resources. Considering the fast changing pace of ICT technologies, this centre of excellence will play a fundamental role in ensuring that Jordanian ICT professionals master latest technological trends, thus preserving the country's competitive edge and advantage at all times." said Mr. Ra'ed A. Bilbessi -Chief Executive Officer, Information Technology Association of Jordan - int@j

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About Microsoft Corporation
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean opened its Beirut-based office in 1999. Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean is responsible for the company's business in Cyprus, Jordan, Lebanon, and Malta. In 2001, Microsoft opened an office in Jordan, and recently appointed a Business Development Manager for Cyprus and Malta in March 2002.

Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middleeast

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