Microsoft and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) signed a partnership and technical cooperation agreement in the presence of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman of the United National Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID), TAG-Org chairman and CEO and Director of Microsoft, Jordan Ms. Rula Al-Amouri..

This partnership, which renders TAG-Org to be the first Arab company that signs an agreement with Microsoft in this field, includes a number of joint ventures the most important of which is the first initiative regarding computers for schools and universities in the Arab world- the Arab-Laptop Computer Project (TAG-TOP) manufactured with the highest international standards to become an essential support for the educational sector.TAG-Org will contribute as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), while Microsoft will offer licenses for their software in a package including system software and other important applications for education, namely, Windows 7 Operating System, Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Security Essentials, and Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum along with Learning Essentials for Microsoft Office.This agreement also entails marketing programs to keep all concerned entities informed of this important project, especially the educational institutions and companies where the marketing programs will be implemented through a number of local certified Microsoft partners and a number of their clients of large corporations.

 
The agreement also provides that both parties shall cooperate to implement several major projects, namely, (Microsoft Academy for Information Technology) for the educational programs provided by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh College of Business and issue accredited certifications bearing the logos of both parties.
In addition, this partnership includes community service programs through Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society activities and makes the society a center for Microsoft's initiatives, such as (BizSpark and DreamSpark),Dynamics Academic programs and (Academic Alliance) programs with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh College of Business, which is the first of its kind in the Arab region.

HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his pleasure on this occasion, saying "I'm very proud of the continuous growth of our partnership with Microsoft within the business plan adopted by our organization in order to achieve sustainable development and capacity building to serve the Arab region."

Meanwhile, Ms. Rula Amouri, General Manager of Microsoft, Jordan, said "Signing this agreement today marks a new step to enhance the solid partnership between TAG-Org and Microsoft. This agreement is distinct from other agreements because it is signed in the era of the global economic crisis, which reflects the confidence of TAG-Org in Microsoft even in such difficult global conditions to achieve long-term returns on its investments."

 
"Microsoft's role under this agreement is to provide TAG-Org with distinct Microsoft software solutions and technologies capable of developing performance and reducing costs at the same time. We, at Microsoft and through collective license agreements aim to provide all our clients with what meets their needs under flexible financial costs," Amouri added.

According to the agreement Microsoft shall work side by side with TAG-Org to provide the Organization with their advice on several fields such as Software Asset Management (SAM) as well as assisting TAG-Org to market the potentials in Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP).

Also, both parties are committed to attend and participate in various events related to information and communication technologies which will be held at TAG-Org headquarters . Both parties shall also cooperate in exchanging information and data within the framework of privacy and intellectual property in a manner that reflects on both parties and serves their objectives.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hani Quttaineh, director of the corporate sector at Microsoft said, "Microsoft, Jordan sees TAG-Org as a strategic partner of great importance and we are proud of the confidence of the Organization in Microsoft and this partnership as well. Establishing our partnership with the Organization, the promotion and development of the same aim to provide all the necessary for our valued clients such as TAG-Org to enable them in turn, to provide high-quality services to address the needs of different sectors in the Kingdom through the adoption of a clear technology strategy. While Microsoft is fully aware of and in consideration of the trust of its customers and partners, it is working continuously to achieve all these objectives by mutual cooperation with the Organization in the interest of all parties in the end"..

Advisory services in several specialized areas of information technology shall be provided through the highest international software licenses agreements in all TAG-Org's 73 offices spread throughout the world, which will make the Organization in the forefront of Microsoft partners in the region and worldwide.

The agreement reflects the keenness of both parties to develop the telecommunications sector and to train highly qualified people in Jordan and the Arab region in line with the increasing development witnessed by the world and to intensify the efforts and determination to provide the best and most appropriate for our Arab society at the highest international standards. © 2010 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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