Batelco is first to adopt Microsoft Windows Server 2008 in Bahrain

With the deployment of Microsoft's next-generation operating system, the region's leading telecommunication's service provider is taking advantage of the rich features and the powerful new functionality of Windows Server 2008.

Windows Server 2008 is the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, designed to power the next-generation of networks, applications, and Web services. With Windows Server 2008 Batelco can now develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a highly secure network infrastructure, and increase technological efficiency and value within the organization. The new operating system (OS) builds on the success and strengths of its Windows Server predecessors while delivering new and powerful improvements to the base operating system. With its Hyper-V server virtualization technology, Windows Server 2008 enables organizations to reduce costs, increase hardware utilization, optimize their infrastructure, and improve server availability.

'This investment reflects Batelco's commitment for excellence, which has reinforced Bahrain's position as a leading communication hub in the region,' said Mr. Ebrahim Zainal, General Manager IT & Network, Batelco.

'Our collaboration with Microsoft is part of Batelco's commitment to providing world-class service and technological capacity throughout our network. By aligning our market knowledge with Microsoft's technology expertise, we now have the ability to simplify and manage the most demanding business solutions. The adoption of Windows Server 2008 allows us to have an agile and powerful technology infrastructure that we need to quickly develop new applications to respond to market opportunities and further strengthen our leadership position in the Kingdom's telecommunications sector,'

he added.

Adam Tammam, Commercial Sector Manager Microsoft said, ''Batelco is a strategic partner for Microsoft in the Kingdom of Bahrain and we are working closely with the service provider on several critical service areas for the development of new world telecom infrastructure. This next-generation technology means a great deal to our enterprise customers with organisations now viewing IT infrastructure as a strategic asset. We have had customers such as Batelco, preview and evaluate the operating system ahead of its launch and we have received excellent feedback from them. Our collaboration with Batelco presents an opportunity to explore the unique and feature-rich applications of Windows Server 2008.'

Windows Server 2008 gives Batelco's IT administrators an effective way to centrally manage the organization's critical business applications. The OS offers a host of new features designed to improve IT administration, remote application access and security. These features include:

Improved remote access

With the Windows Server 2008 operating system as its foundation, Batelco can now run remote applications that are integrated with a user's desktop. With Terminal Services Remote App built into the product, the organisation can now provide secure access to centralized applications where users can easily connect to server-based applications from any Web-connected device to access the applications they use on a daily basis.

Simplified installation and management

The new Server Core installation option in Windows Server 2008 provides a minimal environment for running specific server roles. This helps improve reliability and efficiency, giving the IT department the ability to better utilize existing hardware. The new Server Core installation option offers a highly reliable and efficient platform. Because Server Core loads the fewest operating system components required to run core infrastructure roles, patch requirements are reduced. This provides higher reliability and security for core network infrastructure roles.

The server manager feature in Windows Server 2008, offers simplified management capabilities for Batelco's IT staff. This tool can be used to assign specific server roles and configure settings thereby making management easier and more effective. Additionally, using Windows PowerShell, employees can effectively control system administration.

'Thanks to Windows Server 2008, we now have the ability to do more with less. This new operating system has helped us to simplify deployment and management so we can reduce the costs of ongoing operations,' added Mr. Ebrahim Zainal.

In January 2003, Batelco entered into an agreement with Microsoft to develop a portfolio of Internet and mobile related Web-services that will benefit consumers, private companies, and government agencies. As part of this agreement, Batelco subscribers can remain connected on MSN and access hotmail via their mobile handsets.