Microsoft launches System Center 2012 - Private Cloud Set to Transform IT in the Gulf in 2012

System Center 2012 is a true private cloud builder allows users to manage their virtual, physical, and cloud environments from a single console, using common and consistent experiences that provide full control across their existing datacenter investments.
The Microsoft private cloud is helping customers move faster, save money and better compete today.
Private Cloud adopters in the Gulf include National Bank of Kuwait, Oman Arab Bank and Omantel.

Dubai, U.A.E.: January 18, 2012 -Microsoft announced a major new development in the Microsoft private cloud strategy and core management platform, the launch of Microsoft System Center 2012. System Center 2012 allows users to manage their virtual, physical, and cloud environments from a single console, using common and consistent experiences that provide full control across their existing datacenter investments.

The announcement confirms the availability of a release candidate of System Center 2012, which customers can begin using today to build private clouds. System Center 2012 integrates eight previous products into one to simplify purchase, creation and deployment of private clouds with the best economics.

Optimized for service delivery and providing both flexibility and control, the Microsoft private cloud enables users to experience IT as a Service on your terms. Adopting a more service-driven IT model can help you provision services faster--freeing up resources and enabling greater business agility to respond quickly to customer demands

"Microsoft is committed to putting the unique and ever-evolving needs of customers at the core of cloud innovation," said Samer Abu Ltaif, General Manager for Microsoft Gulf. "The latest updates to Private Cloud provide customers with maximum flexibility to choose a cloud computing solution that meets their organization's specialized collaboration needs," he continued.

Private cloud can accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and increase business agility in the market. Many professionals in IT are already reaping the benefits of cloud computing to drive their organizational goals. Customers including T. Rowe Price, a U.S. investment firm; Lufthansa Systems, a global IT service provider for the aviation industry; Unilever, a global lifestyle brandare betting on the Microsoft private cloud today. Customers from the Gulf include the National Bank of Kuwait, Oman Arab Bank and Omantel.

Key Capabilities of Private Cloud:

Resource Pooling - consolidating databases
Elasticity - scaling your computer, network and storage resources efficiently
Self-Service - ability to deploy resources on demand quickly
Control and Customize - drive standardization and compliance

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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, 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/middle east

For more information
Miriam Farshoukh
PR Lead - Microsoft Gulf
Tel: +971508249774
Email: a-mifars@microsoft.com

Lina Al Desouky
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +971504648110
Email: lina.aldesouky@ws-mena.com