Conference previews future of key Microsoft platforms including Windows Vista, ASP.Net, Visual Studio and 2007 Microsoft Office system

Dubai, 2nd May, 2006: Microsoft Gulf hosted software developers from across the region at its first annual Middle East Developer Conference in Dubai on 30th April - 1st May. The event brought together members of the software development community from a range of different roles, to give them a forum for discussion and education as part of Microsoft's ongoing commitment to the local software industry.

The conference previewed future Microsoft technologies and trends and updated developers on how to utilize Microsoft's platform to develop effective solutions.

"The hosting of our first Middle East Developer Conference in Dubai signifies the maturity and the progress that the local developer community has reached," said Vimal Sethi, DPE Lead, Microsoft Gulf. "The Gulf region has an abundance of developer talent, and those developers aspire to advance their knowledge and skills. This conference gave them the opportunity to develop new skills, to learn more about the next wave of the Microsoft platform and help them to build the competence and professionalism of the Gulf region."

"Through the conference sessions, developers learnt how to use the power of the Microsoft platform and solutions to develop and deploy new applications that can truly transform businesses," Sethi added.

The forum attracted professional developers, software architects, web designers, systems integrators and independent software vendors, and included two technology tracks - ASP.Net 2.0 and Visual Studio to suit different needs. The sessions also included an introduction to Souk Windows, Microsoft's online marketplace for local software developers to exchange and market their solutions, and a session on Arabic software development, in addition to live previews of Windows Vista and the upcoming 2007 Microsoft Office system.

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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