Microsoft launches new Arabized solutions and local Windows XP theme pack at Gitex 2005

The company today announced three new Arabized services and applications, that will benefit Arabic users, and an official Windows XP UAE theme pack to bring a local flavour to desktops. The services launched include MSN Arabia Souk Windows, Microsoft Keyboard Convert Service, and Microsoft Match-Up Game. These products along with other Arabized solutions are on show at the Microsoft stand in the Sheikh Rashid Hall.

The Windows XP local theme pack, the first ever localized XP theme pack, and one of the first development projects between Microsoft and a university in the region, includes Emirates-themed backgrounds, music, icons and a screen saver. A new Windows Media Player skin, which changes the appearance of the Media Player console is also included. American University of Dubai Computer Science students were involved in both the creative process of designing the icons and backgrounds, and in the technical development process of the pack. Individual students worked to create the various elements of the pack, and to test the finished package. The pack was tested to Microsoft's high professional standards, to qualify it as an official Windows XP pack.

"As part of Microsoft's commitment to Arabization and localization, we are releasing the UAE Windows Theme Pack, the first worldwide in a planned series of local themed downloads that Microsoft intends to create with communities in different countries, along with three new Arabized solutions to meet the needs of the Arabic-speaking community. We are very pleased with the exceptionally high standard of the work carried out by the AUD students, and we look forward to future projects with them," said Assem Hijazi, Localization Program Manager, Microsoft Middle East & North Africa.

Microsoft-MSN Arabia Souk Windows is a website designed to promote local Microsoft partners and ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) who are developing Arabic software worldwide. This is the first portal for localized software in the region, and the website will give customers a full resource to find Arabized software solutions from partners, and to buy them online. The site, which has received numerous applications to date, will also help to promote the local developer and ISV community.

Microsoft Keyboard Convert Service, an application that is free to download, enables multi-language keyboard users to select text entered using one keyboard and convert it to another language's keyboard just by clicking on the icons which are automatically added to the Windows Language bar. Microsoft's Match Up! Game is also free to download. This fun new game for Windows XP tests player's memory and matching skills.

"Microsoft is dedicated to producing Arabic solutions, from our key business and technology platforms, through to helpful and fun accessories like Match Up! Arabic is a tier one language for Microsoft, which means that our key solutions such as Windows XP are available in Arabic as soon as they are launched. Moreover, our Arabization teams in the US and in the Middle East are constantly responding to customers' requirements by working to Arabic-enable solutions to better meet customers' needs in realizing their full potential," said Hijazi.