Dubai, UAE: February 22nd, 2010: Microsoft Gulf today announced that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has implemented Windows 7 to enhance internal user productivity and streamline and simplify daily operations. The implementation of Microsoft's new operating system also allows the Ministry to have a secure and reliable operating system while giving them the advantage of Windows 7 enhanced functionality and user interface.

The Windows 7 solution enables the Ministry's IT staff to streamline deployment processes; deliver desktop services more efficiently and significantly reduce the cost of supporting PC users. These capabilities are enabled by a broad array of new and improved Windows 7 features. In addition, the Ministry expects to use Windows 7 power management capabilities to significantly reduce the electrical power consumed by PCs.

"The Ministry of Foreign Trade is responsible for the regulation of foreign trade policies so we need to ensure that we use state-of-the art technology that provides advanced corporate data management and security and improves best practices", said H.E Mr. Ali Al-Hameli, Executive Director of Institutional Services Support, Ministry of Foreign Trade for the United Arab Emirates. "Windows 7 was the most obvious choice for its feature rich functionality and ability to deliver and manage user experiences and applications while increasing technological efficiency within the organization at reduced costs. We are very pleased with the way this new operating system works and look forward to working with Microsoft in the future."

The Ministry also uses built-in security enhancements, helping to streamline IT management. BitLocker gives the organization full-volume hard drive encryption, while BitLocker to go extends data security to removable storage devices, such as USB thumb drives. Employees also use Internet Explorer (IE) 8 for a more secure browsing experience. "Our security standards are very high given the nature of our work and with Windows 7, we have the added benefit of implementing built-in security features that meet our high standards," added H.E Mr. Ali Al-Hameli.

"Windows 7 delivers the fundamental performance, reliability and security features that organizations today are looking for," added Wilson Xavier, Windows Business Group Lead, Microsoft Gulf. "Additionally, businesses can expect significant advancements in their PC, server, web and application management infrastructure thereby delivering higher returns on investment. In the Gulf, we are seeing high levels of interest and adoption of Windows 7 by organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Trade that want to transform the way they manage their infrastructure. We commend the Ministry's vision for using the latest technologies and being one of the early adopters of Windows 7."

The Ministry of Foreign Trade decided to explore an upgrade to the Windows 7 operating system, keeping in line with its upgrade strategy and evaluate several features in the operating system as part of its long-term goals. Specifically, it sought to reduce costs by using built-in security enhancements and also wanted to improve information access for employees. In 11/2009, the Ministry commenced a pilot deployment of Windows 7 with 80 users. Today, Windows 7 runs on 80 of machines with plans to upgrade to 150 of users by 06/2010.

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About the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade
The Ministry shall regulate the affairs of foreign trade of the United Arab Emirates and the representation of the State to conclude trade agreements with countries in the world and the preparation of programs and studies that work on the development of exports and increase their competitiveness, the ministry is also responsible regulation of foreign trade, control and preparation of studies and concluding agreements that preserve the interests of the homeland and the citizen. It also takes the study of clusters and business entities Arab and international placement to the Council of Ministers on the feasibility of dealing with them and joins it together with the effects on the national economy. UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade's address on the World Wide Web is: http://www.moft.gov.ae/en/

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/middleeast

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp. disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp. shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

For more information, please contact
Ayesha Karumbaya
Asda'a Burson-Marsteller
Tel: + 971 4 3344550
Email: a.karumbaya@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2010