Google to take part in Cairo ICT 2007

Google will take part in the event for the first time as part of its commitment to the region by giving Internet users exciting new opportunities to communicate and access information in their native language.

"Google has a long-term commitment to this dynamic region, which has potential for growth and development. Last year we launched a number of custom designed products for the Arab world, and our participation in Cairo ICT only confirms our commitment,"

said Sherif Iskander, Google Regional Manager, Middle East and North Africa.

Google launched a number of tailor-made products for the Arab world last year, including the Gmail™ interface in Arabic, which is now open to all Internet users without an invitation with more than 2 gigabytes of free storage.

Google Arabic news was also introduced to provide people in the region with a variety of news and information. Google News™ service enables users to view the latest news headlines and related photos, as well as search and browse 500 Arabic news sources in the Middle East.

Google will display the Google Earth™ mapping service on 15 large screens at the exhibition, one of Google's many innovative products that has changed the way we can see our world.

Ehab Fouda, Projects Manager, IBM Egypt spoke enthusiastically about Google Earth's benefits: "Google Earth is very useful for my business trips. I recently had meetings in London and I pinpointed my desired locations before traveling."

"Google Earth provided me with accurate directions to get to my meetings. I inserted addresses and got valuable information, which made my trip pleasurable and hassle free," Fouda said.

Last August, Google Earth also gave archeology enthusiasts, Egyptian history buffs and anyone interested in great feats of engineering the chance to view the historic re-location of the Ramses II statue with the click of a mouse.

The Toshka project is also a good example of a successful environmental change, which can be viewed on Google Earth. The project has transformed part of the country's scorching hot southern desert into a region dotted by lush, neatly tended vegetable plots that are supplied with water and fertilizer by drip irrigation systems.

"Google Earth is one of many products that are a testament to Google's creativity and the company's constant endeavor to create innovative search technologies that connect millions of people around the world with information every day," Iskander pointed out.

Cairo ICT is one of the region's top technology events that groups the major players in the business. This year's event is expected to witness major launches and discuss important issues both in business and technology.