The eagerly anticipated Microsoft Gulf Techdays will take place from the 4th to 5th December at the Habtoor Grand Hotel in Dubai. The event will also host the launch of Microsoft's Unified Communications solutions and provide guests with a sneak peek at Microsoft Windows Server 2008, due to be launched in early 2008.

The two day IT extravaganza will empower IT professionals from around the region with the knowledge to stay ahead of the curve and enable them to interact with their peers, exchange knowledge and information and take a sneak peek at the latest technologies presented by international experts from Microsoft as well as industry leading companies and event partners Intel, HP and Nortel.

The sessions will be split in to six tracks, giving attending IT professionals and developers the chance to fully utilize and tailor make their agenda. Day one will include discussions on Windows Server 2008 infrastructure with a focus on new Virtualization Technologies, Unified

Communications Solutions from Microsoft, HP and Intel, and the latest in Developer Tools and Technologies showcasing Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. The second day will host seminars on Application Platform and Database Management showcasing SQL Server 2008, Security and Management, and Business Productivity with a focus on Mobility and improving customer satisfaction using Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0.

'Today companies do not view IT departments merely as secondary business support units. On the contrary, IT departments today contribute to profitability, efficiency, innovation and productivity,' said Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager Microsoft Gulf. 'Techdays Gulf is an ideal platform for all IT professionals across all industries and developers to witness first hand the new technologies that will enable them to further enhance productivity and efficiency and set their IT requirements to anticipate business needs. The event is inline with Microsoft's initiative to empower IT professionals and enable them to realize their full potential.'

The highlight of the event will be the eagerly anticipated sneak peek at Windows Server 2008 with Virtualization technology and seminars on Unified Communications Solutions and Mobility. Windows Server 2008 with Virtualization technology builds on the improved reliability and security of Windows Server 2003 R2 to help alleviate the pressures of rapidly changing technology, security concerns, increasing costs and expanding business needs by addressing the automation of daily management tasks, tightening security, improving efficiency and increasing availability.

Microsoft will also showcase their System Center Virtual Machine Manager that manages the six areas that make the approach to Virtualization a truly holistic one. Through the virtualization of networks, storage, servers, desktops, presentation and applications, Microsoft believes that customers will no longer suffer from downtime, storage problems, mobility issues and application compatibility, hence improving efficiency, productivity, mobility, networking and most importantly, return on investment.

During the Unified Communications seminars, Microsoft will demonstrate the power of using software to communicate with people using instant messaging, voice, video and phones among other communication devices. The session will also highlight the integration with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 unified messaging to give enterprises full leverage of their investment and simplify deployments of voice-enabled solutions. Unified Communications solutions will change the way we communicate with each other forever, bringing more interaction to the communication channel and providing people with an enhanced audio visual experience.

'IT professionals and developers will also be able to interact with leading IT experts from across the world and discuss with them the future of technology and how it will change the way we do business and live our life. Simply, this event cannot be missed!' added Fakhoury.

For all IT professionals and developers that wish to register for the biggest IT extravaganza of the year, please visit www.techdaysgulf.com.

About Microsoft Gulf:

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq 'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middleeast

For more information:
Bahaa Issa
Regional Manager
Marketing & Communications
Microsoft Gulf
P: +971 4 3917000
F: +971 3917001

Ellie Thompson
Account Director
Hill & Knowlton
P: +971 4 33 44 930