Microsoft sponsors region's leading ICT conference and exhibition

Microsoft in Bahrain is proud to be the Gold sponsor of the Future IT exhibition and conference being held from May 14 to 18 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. 2005 marks the third consecutive year that Microsoft has been involved with this prestigious event being held under the patronage of the Bahrain Minister of Industry & Commerce, Dr. Hassan Fakhro. A number of major local and regional ICT companies are participating in the exhibition by displaying the latest products and technologies in an aim to attract the best professionals and businesses in the Kingdom.

Microsoft's participation this year highlights the B-Online campaign, which is geared towards Small & Medium Enterprises (SME), offering easy solutions that answer their day-to-day business needs.

Future IT 2005 includes three main activities; the exhibition, the conference and the BITEX Computer Shopper. Ali Faramawy, Vice President - Microsoft Europe Middle East and Africa was the key note speaker on May 14 discussing 'e-Government: Global Best Practices'. Samir Benmakhlouf, Country Manager for Microsoft in Bahrain is also involved with the conference, presenting 'e-Enterprise: Emerging Technologies' on May 15th.

Microsoft is also conducting a one-day workshop on "Enterprise Holistic Security" at the Al Seef Ballroom for 150 IT managers in the Kingdom. The workshop will be led by well known international speaker Rafal Lukawiecki, Strategic Consultant & Director of Project Botticelli from the U.K.

Speaking about their participation Benmakhlouf said: "We are proud to be Gold sponsors for the Future IT exhibition and conference for the third year now. Our repeated participation in this successful event emphasizes our commitment to the growth and development of the ICT industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Since the inception of Microsoft in Bahrain three years ago, we have grown immensely and have had the opportunity to work with all the major businesses and Government organizations in the Kingdom. By providing the latest in software and solutions, we have built strong long term relationships with these organizations. Our involvement in events like Future IT 2005 highlights our commitment to these valuable relationships."