Microsoft sponsors Bahrain Computer Shopping Festival 2005 emphasizing collaboration

The exhibition runs from October 12 - 18, 2005 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Center, and will be held under the patronage of Bahraini Minister of Information, Dr. Muhammad Abdulghaffar.

Building on the success of last year's exhibition, which drew more than 18,500 visitors, BCSF organizers have increased the area of the exhibition by fifty percent and have also extended the event from five to seven days to accommodate more visitors this year. BCSF 2005 displays the latest in personal computers, laptops and notebook computers, computer accessories, network solutions and home technologies in addition to games and multi-media computer software.

Samir Benmakhlouf, Country Manager for Microsoft in Bahrain commented: "Microsoft Bahrain is an integral part of the Bahraini ICT community. We are strongly committed to supporting the growth and development of local organizations as well as individuals in the Kingdom. Our sponsorship of BCSF 2005 reaffirms this commitment and brings us closer to achieving our ultimate goal of helping individuals reach their full potential. The offers we have for visitors ensure all levels of the ICT community benefit from our products and services. The new Microsoft Office system is a highlight this year as it is the most efficient tool to help people transform information and impact business."

Microsoft has been sponsoring the event since its inception in 2003 and will be constructing an entire Microsoft Village this year with more than 24 participating partners. The theme for this year is collaboration and the showcase of Microsoft Office system with the message 'transforming impact into information'. Free offers from Microsoft like the popular 'Tune up your PC' will enable visitors to free maintenance of their PCs by Microsoft's technical experts at the Microsoft stand. To take advantage of the service, visitors must simply bring their PCs with the original software pack and license to get a free upgrade from Microsoft.

Microsoft partners for learning solutions will also provide free training sessions covering Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Project 2003 and Microsoft Visio 2003. Other partners like the Bahrain Institute of Training, New Horizons and Almoayyed Institute of Technology will run training courses which are available by pre-registration. Students attending schools in Bahrain will also be entitled to free training during BCSF 2005. Media persons are also invited to free training sessions and must simply pre-register with Microsoft.

Visitors to BCSF 2005 will also enjoy a festive atmosphere with ongoing entertainment like a live DJ, daily raffle draws and loads of prizes from Microsoft partners.

Benmakhlouf concluded: "BSCF 2005 has a great deal to offer visitors and we look forward to working closely with the organizers again this year to bring the latest and best ICT innovations to the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain."