Microsoft empowers students in Oman with .Net Club launches at leading higher education institutions

Microsoft and two leading universities in Oman have launched the .Net Club initiative. Open to all students at the Sultan Qaboos University and the Middle East College of Information Technology, the scheme will provide students with access to the latest technology, training and software.

Microsoft .NET clubs have been established in universities and colleges around the Gulf with the aim of creating a community that helps students to build bridges with the IT industry and to develop their own interest in technology and software development. Students at these higher education institutions in Oman who join the Club will be able to access the Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance, which gives them free access to the latest development tools, operating systems, server software, documentation, and technical references.
"Many students leave university with minimal experience of the work experience and the challenges their chosen industry faces," explained Khaled Salman Abdul Rahim Al Belushi, .Net Club President, SQ University.

"We are offering them, through this partnership with Microsoft, a chance to realize their full potential through a Club that will give them access to the IT industry, major players within it and the chance to learn from them and their peers."

The students will join a regional and international community of .NET clubs that exchange experience and knowledge online, and will also be able to leverage Microsoft's support for working on .NET related projects and arranging and participating in industry events.

"Fostering talent and enabling our student to reach their full potential is our main goal" explained Ahmed Saleh Al Najashi, .Net Club President, MECIT College. "The opportunity we are giving to our students through this launch is life-altering and I look forward to witnessing the effect such access to the IT industry has on the club members".

An internship program attached to the .Net Club enables Microsoft to help graduate students find employment and fit into the workplace with ease. Similarly members will benefit from participation in summer training courses and entrance into the Microsoft Imagine Cup competition.

"Microsoft's vision is of a campus presence where students from different backgrounds and interests, connected by a love of innovation and technology, interact on topics that are relevant to their lives and the realization of their own potential," commented Abdullah Lootah, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman. "As a company we are committed to the growth of skills within our future generation and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. Our partnership with both these universities has provided us with another platform from which to achieve this goal."

Microsoft launched the first .Net Club with Dubai Women's College (DWC) in April 2006 and currently runs 17 across the region.