Microsoft Gulf announces availability of Windows 7 Beta in English and Arabic

The company also announced the availability of Windows Live, a suite of personal communication services and applications for Windows.

Windows 7 and Windows Live will help people communicate, share and get more done. The beta version of Windows 7, Microsoft's next-generation personal computer (PC) operating system can be downloaded by MSDN, TechBeta and TechNet customers. Consumers who want to test drive the beta can download the English version at www.Microsoft.com/windows7 or the Arabic version at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx

Commenting on the launch, Wilson Xavier, Windows Client Business Group Lead, Microsoft Gulf, said:

"As we look at Windows today, we have strong momentum behind our products and brand and we are excited about where we are headed for Windows 7. With Windows 7, the company continues to deliver on its promise to customers: to eliminate the artificial boundaries that prevent them from truly experiencing what technology can offer, to offer them the greatest possible choice in the technology they use and to deliver software and services that are compatible with the way they work and live."

Microsoft also has an ongoing commitment to local software development and continues to translate and provide market specific services for the Arab region, including its latest technology offerings such as Windows 7.

Assem Abdullah Hijazi, Localization Manager, Arabic Language Product Support, Microsoft Middle East and Africa said, "Microsoft offers Arabic language support across its entire product portfolio and is the next step to broadening Microsoft's outreach and empowering customers. The Arabic version of Windows 7 is identical to the English version. Arabic language support across our product portfolio is an important first step to developing the local IT industry and highlights Microsoft's commitment to the region."

Microsoft also worked closely with customers and partners around the world to incorporate their feedback into the development of Windows 7 and continues to work with the partner ecosystem to ensure their products, services and devices are ready for Windows 7.

Mr. Pinaki Kar, General Manager, Gulf and Africa for Wipro Limited, said:

"During the last decade, Windows has transformed the way people work. Windows 7 and Windows Live are the most advanced technologies that Microsoft has ever introduced, and I believe they signal the beginning of a new wave of innovation that will have an even more profound impact during the next decade. With this launch, Microsoft is delivering a foundation for unmatched customer experiences across applications, services and devices."

In addition, Microsoft announced the global availability of Windows Live, which makes it easier than ever for people to keep their online lives in sync and in one place with one login. The new Windows Live - including Windows Live Messenger along with Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Photo Gallery is designed to work seamlessly with more than 50 of the most popular Internet services.

Together with Internet Explorer 8, currently in beta and releasing soon, Windows Live makes the things people do most on the web (searching, sharing and navigating to sites they've been to before) faster and less complex with fewer clicks, logins, and customizations than ever before. Windows Live is now available for download at www.windowslive.com/explore or automatically via Microsoft Update for current customers.

Some of the main new consumer features for Windows 7 include additional improvements to the operating system; simplified task management and better connectivity with portable mobile devices and better digital media and entertainment experiences.