Services for channel increased with appointment of Hesham El-Shamy as Partner Account Manager

Muscat, 26th April 2006: Microsoft Gulf is introducing more support and services for its partners in Oman, with the appointment of Hesham El-Shamy as Partner Account Manager for the Sultanate. El-Shamy will be responsible for helping partners in Oman to build their businesses, to increase profitability and enhance services to Microsoft customers.

Almost all of Microsoft's business in the Gulf is fulfilled through partners, so support for the channel is an essential part of ensuring growth. As Partner Account Manager, El-Shamy will work with partners to identify growth areas in the market, and develop business plans and strategies to address those areas. He will also help to line up partners with appropriate business opportunities, and provide sales support for customer engagements. Microsoft's partner organization also helps to create sales opportunities, and to expand the partner base to fit the needs of the market.

In August 2005, the Microsoft Gulf subsidiary was created, to bring more resources to the region for customers and partners. A major part of that expansion is the increase of expertise and resources that are available in each country, and the growing staff of Microsoft Oman is a reflection of that commitment.

"Partners play a vital role in delivering solutions based on Microsoft technologies to our customers, and in ensuring the ongoing satisfaction of our customers," said Sami Al Lawati, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman. "This makes our relationships with our partners one of the most key roles in Microsoft, and we are very pleased that Hesham has joined Microsoft Oman, to build on our partner base in the Sultanate."

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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, Pakistan, 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/middleeast

For further information contact:
Microsoft contact:
Bahaa Issa
Dubai, United Arab Emirates            
Tel: 00-9714-3917000
Fax: 00-9714-3917001            
Email: bahaai@microsoft.com
 
Media contact:
Mark Sutton
ASDA'A Public Relations
Tel: 00-9714-3344550
Fax: 00-9714-3344556
Email: m.sutton@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006