25 November - 1 December 1999

Microsoft roadshow kicks off in Malta

by Anna Maria Bartolo

Microsoft's OpenDoor Series 2000, the biggest roadshow in the Middle East, kicked off in Malta on Tuesday with a two-day seminar covering a wide range of Microsoft technologies. The roadshow will span 12 cities in 10 countries and includes the participation of two other technology giants - 3Com and Dell.

The event in Malta included a partner pavilion displaying the latest technologies of over 25 participants whose products were being built across the Microsoft platform, Derek Kerr, the community development manager of Microsoft Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean (GEM) said at the launch.

"Last year, the OpenDoor series saw over 12,000 attendees across the Middle East," he said, adding that this year there would be "a tighter, more integrated set of sessions as Microsoft partners with Dell and 3Com to bring the latest technologies being adapted globally to the Gulf".

Due to demand after last year's series, extra sessions were added for the developer community who requested information about Microsoft's development tools, especially Microsoft Exchange, Office 2000 and advanced platforms including Microsoft Windows NT, SQL Server and Windows 2000.

"Updated information on all of Microsoft's leading technologies is also included in this series. Microsoft partners are giving sessions on the tight integration between their technologies and the Microsoft platform," he said.

3Com was reviewing the latest technologies offered globally and designed specifically to support Windows 2000. 3Com also focused on its Intelligent Networking initiative.

"3Com's participation at this event builds on the strong global partnership with Microsoft, and this is reflected in 3Com's commitment to creating powerful new solutions designed to support Microsoft's leading platform," Matthew Walmsley, the channel marketing manager at 3Com, remarked.

Dell Computer Corporation highlighted the tight integration of its products with Microsoft Office 2000. Dell also started supplying original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions of Microsoft Windows 2000 beta to its customers on request, thus giving them practical experience of Windows 2000 before the final release version.

"By partnering with Microsoft during its OpenDoor series 2000, Dell can reach many regional customers and inform them about key technologies and activities being implemented regionally. Meanwhile it is strengthening its global partnership with Microsoft on a local level," said Alastair McFadzean, enterprise business manger at Dell.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. Microsoft offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, designed to make it easier and more enjoyable for people to use personal computers.

Microsoft opened its Dubai-based Middle east headquarters office in 1991. Since then subsidiaries have opened in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Microsoft GEM is responsible for the company's business in Pakistan, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Malta.

This year, Microsoft opened offices in Lebanon and Kuwait and announced it would soon open offices in Pakistan.

One of Microsoft's partners, 3Com Corporation, has 300 million customers worldwide. It connects more people to information in more ways than any other networking company.

3Com delivers innovative information access products and network system solutions to enterprises, small business, carriers and network service providers, PC OEMs and consumers.