Element K partners with Microsoft to deliver official Microsoft Learning Products

The partnership designates Element K as Microsoft's first Content and Service Provider, responsible for customizing and selling Official Microsoft Learning Products to Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs), Microsoft IT Academies and Microsoft Certified Partners.

The agreement has major significance for the Middle East, as Element K is already involved in various projects to provide its acclaimed online learning IT courses in the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, and is working with other government bodies to expand operations to the whole region.

The new partnership also allows Element K to provide training centers, corporations, governments and educational institutions with courseware and e-learning, based on authorized Microsoft content. This will enable Element K to add its instructional design and interactive media, to the pre-eminent technology provider's content.

"Improving the learning experience for our partners and customers is our first priority," said Lutz Ziob, General Manager of Microsoft Learning. "We selected Element K to help us provide our Microsoft CTECs and channel partners with the expertise and additional value-add services needed to deliver the different kinds of products and services their customers demand. Working with Element K will allow our training channel partners to focus on what matters most - customer relationship."

"Microsoft understands the value of learning and how it can optimize the adoption and use of their products as well as extend satisfaction among their customers. We are very excited to have formed this new partnership and look forward to broadening and deepening our relationship with Microsoft, its customers and partners," said Bruce Barnes, CEO of Element K. "Our company is honored to have been chosen by Microsoft. It is an affirmation of both our track record and our vision in the field of learning."

Element K Middle East has been established with the objective of bringing Element K's world-class courses to the entire region. Element K offers online courses in desktop computing, IT and business & professional development and has over four million users worldwide. A dramatic increase in demand is expected for e-learning in the Arab world, driven by a robust growth in IT penetration and the booming economies.

"We hope to extend this partnership to the Middle East to add value to our services for our partners and customers," said Ali Faramawi, Regional Director of Microsoft Middle East and Africa. "We are confident that the combined strengths of Microsoft's learning products and Element K's expertise in the delivery of specialized courses will considerably enhance the learner's experience through more innovative solutions and technology upgrades."

"We are looking forward to bringing direct benefits to our Middle East learners from this new partnership between Element K and Microsoft," remarked Jamil Ezzo, General Manager, Element K Middle East. "This international alliance that makes us Microsoft's first Content and Service Provider for Microsoft partners enhances our position as the pioneers in this field. The integration of Microsoft's expertise into our models will significantly enrich our delivery, consolidating our position as the leading providers of high quality online learning."

"Element K has chalked out an ambitious new strategy to increase its penetration in the Middle East region by developing customized bilingual courses," Ezzo added. "We foresee a major demand for online courses in IT competency, as a result of government-led IT initiatives and the move by businesses to adopt new technology in a bid to catch up with the rest of the developed world. Element K will continue our innovations in this field, and the alliance with Microsoft will considerably enhance our capabilities."