Dubai, May 2, 2010: Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Middle East hosted their annual partner training program, 'Microsoft Retail Champs' at Microsoft, Dubai Media City earlier this month. The 2 day program was attended by over 220 Retail Sales Personnel involved in training exercises from over 12 retailers for Microsoft Hardware, Xbox 360, Office, Windows, and Windows Phone.

'Microsoft Retail Champs' is dedicated at enhancing sales competency of retail sales professionals, falling in line with Microsoft's key strategy of offering retailers the shared objectives of profitability and higher transaction values.

"Retail sales professionals are at the forefront and can add a lot of value to the customer's decision making process by the knowledge that they hold about products & technology," said Armagan Demir, Head of Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Middle East. "Customers are more likely to come to a quick and easy purchasing decision if they feel assured from the product knowledge and preparedness of the sales professionals they are interacting with."

Demir added: "Microsoft is always devoted to providing the continuous and necessary support to our partners and sales channels. The 'Microsoft Retail Champs' equips sales professionals with strategic tools and assets to ensure a superior customer experience and a sustainable retailer performance."

Commenting on the program, Shyam Sundar, Category Head IT Sharaf DG said, "We value Microsoft's efforts in supporting their partners through these significant training programs. We have seen quite the difference with our staff as they have been better equipped with the right tools and product knowledge to further enhance our customer service and care."

Microsoft's commitment in the 'Retail Champs' program offers periodic one-to-one training updates, classroom trainings, certification, incentives, and morale building events. Furthermore, Microsoft is committed to advancing retail sales people from one level of professional sales competency to another, through sustained and varied trainings and tools.

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For more information, please contact
Tarek El-Moukachar
Asda'a Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +971 4 3344550
Fax: +971 4 3344556
t.elmoukachar@asdaa.com
b-taem@microsoft.com

© Press Release 2010