Microsoft participates at BETT showcasing technology innovation and empowering educators from the region

Microsoft is participating at the British Education Technology & Training (BETT) Middle East show which is being held from October 25-26 in Abu Dhabi. At the show, Microsoft will showcase a diverse range of innovative solutions and initiatives aimed at leveraging the latest technology in creative ways to transform education.

At the show key highlights will include the next generation of Live@edu, a rich communication and collaboration platform, which in addition to messaging offers a host of other online services such as SkyDrive (25GB file storage in the cloud), Microsoft Office Web Apps, (Office 2010 online), Live Messenger and many others. With Live@edu, each student can have a unique ID that enables him/her to access all the communication and collaboration tools.

Windows Multipoint Server 2011, a Windows product targeted at educational institutions that allows multiple users to simultaneously share one computer will also be displayed at the stand.

Microsoft Surface breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, providing effortless interaction with digital content and collaboration among users, making it a natural fit for education scenarios. Surface is a unique and exciting way to engage with a younger audience, and offers a wide range of possibilities for independent, collaborative and competitive learning experiences.

On this occasion, Azza Shinnawy, Education and Citizenship Lead, Microsoft Gulf, said, "BETT Middle East is the perfect forum to demonstrate Microsoft’s value preposition for the education sector at large and showcase how access to technology can improve teaching and learning outcomes as well as provide a more immersive learning experience for students of all ages. Successful economies rely on a workforce which is both competitive in terms of being on top of the needed 21^st century skills, as well as having relatively strong capacities to innovate. This is where Microsoft plays a significant role, through the company’s creative programs and cost-effective solutions to help the students of today become prepared for the world of the future and for the jobs of the future.”

Microsoft will also use the event as a platform to raise awareness about how it can help students, educators and schools acquire skills such as collaboration, communications, creative thinking, problem solving and digital literacy through programs such as Shape the Future and Partners in Learning.

Shape the Future helps governments around the world develop smart, sustainable and inclusive initiatives that bring all citizens into the digital society. In the past 3 years, Shape the Future has helped 42 countries bring technology access to more than 6 million students, educators and families. Ahmed Al Komy - Regional Director - Middle East and North Africa, Microsoft Corporation World Wide Public Sector, will deliver a keynote address at the show to talk about the goals, benefits and scope of this initiative across the region.

“I am looking forward to addressing the BETT audience around our exciting Shape the Future Program which supports government initiatives in providing citizens with access to technology,” said Ahmed Al Komy Regional Director - Middle East and North Africa, Microsoft Corporation World Wide Public Sector. “Education represents the catalyst for unlocking human potential in today’s knowledge economy. We believe that with the right partnerships, processes and technologies in place, we can help educators and students develop and implement better ways to ensure they are prepared for the challenges ahead,” continued Al Komy.