Microsoft and Dubai Lifestyle City tie up to create first of a kind digital community

The partnership will entail the implementation of Microsoft Connected Community and Connected Home Framework for 68 luxury villas, 120 condos, a luxurious five star hotel, the Sports Academy, a Members Club, and an Auditorium within Dubai Lifestyle City in Dubailand.

Microsoft will provide a suite of products including the latest Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Home Server, Microsoft e-Home Automation Solutions from various Microsoft Partners, Windows Live and Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007.

"We are very excited about this unique partnership as it emphasises our ability to venture into different industries," said Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager Microsoft Gulf. "This partnership is the first of its kind in the region and also the first large scale implementation of Microsoft Home Solutions for residential projects. This project marks the start of a long line of innovative solutions within this industry."

Microsoft will also assist with the planning, technical architecture, and design of the deployment of Microsoft technologies, and plan design and implement the community data centre.

"The implementation of the Microsoft infrastructure will complement our vision of providing our residents with the ultimate luxurious lifestyle experience," said Arif Rahman, Managing Director Dubai Lifestyle City. "We are very committed to provide our residents with an unmatched living experience highlighting the benefits of smart e-homes of the future."

In the past, Microsoft has displayed its e-home capabilities on a micro-level by implementing its product suite in single units. But to get an entire city with all modern amenities e-connected is something Microsoft is implementing for the first time in the Gulf region. Having Dubai as the backdrop for such a fabulous creative experiment is rather symbolic; as Dubai has always been a place with an uncanny ability to take on newer and seemingly difficult challenges.

Dubai Lifestyle City is a Dhs2.4bn project situated in Dubailand and spans an area of four million square feet. The project offers resident and visitors a unique lifestyle experience within a serene and natural environment. The project is first of its kind in the region with unparalleled amenities and now a true digitally connected community.