Microsoft is set to have a major presence at Comex 2012 as a Lead sponsor. During the event, the company will showcase its latest innovations focusing on Cloud Computing and Consumerization of IT to illustrate how organizations of all sizes can use technology in new ways to advance their business. At Comex 2012, Microsoft will preview the consumer version of Windows 8 as well as Office 365, the company's next generation solutions in cloud productivity which bring together Microsoft Office, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and Lync Online in an always-up-to-date cloud service. Microsoft will also display the next generation of Microsoft Surface device as well as the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface. The software & hardware solution makes it possible for people to share, collaborate and explore together using a large, thin display that recognizes fingers, hands and other objects placed on the screen. Microsoft will also showcase a new range of Windows 7 Phone handsets with the latest "Mango" operating system. "Comex 2012 represents an important platform for Microsoft to showcase our technology and product innovation in the local market," said Tareq Hijazi, Regional Country Manager for Microsoft in Oman and Bahrain. Hijazy added "Microsoft's ability to serve both the enterprise and consumer markets gives us unique insights into the direction that technology is taking in the future. As a company, we are building on the technology foundation of Windows and taking it in new and unexpected directions through Windows 8 to reach new hardware, to reach the cloud and to create new developer opportunities as seen through our solutions like Windows Live, Windows Phone, and Windows Azure. With technology raising levels of productivity through increased multitasking, collaboration and impact of social networks, Comex is a great opportunity for us to meet with our customers and partners to discuss the best ways to manage user expectations and enterprise requirements brought about by the increase of IT consumerisation. Given the potential of cloud computing to deliver enterprise-class applications to everyone, Comex will be a key platform to showcase how Microsoft can offer the best productivity experience in the cloud, on-premises or through any combination in between." Dr. Salim Al Ruzaiqi, CEO, Information Technology Authority (ITA), Oman, said, "We are very pleased to have Microsoft participate in Comex 2012 for the third consecutive year, considering it is one of the leading companies in the world of technology. Through its participation in Comex 2012, Microsoft will give visitors the opportunity to become familiar with their latest products and services. We welcome their participation and appreciate Microsoft's commitment to be a lead sponsor of the exhibition. The partnership between Microsoft and ITA is in line with our cooperation to execute many joint projects and programs. Hence, this participation, along with the participation of many world-renowned ICT companies, will certainly offer the exhibition an added value and open broader horizons for future collaboration." Visitors to the Microsoft stand will experience a sneak preview of Windows 8, which is not yet retailing Microsoft booth will also host a variety of its solution partners including: Exceed, ITWorx, IOTAP and Pearl of ICT who will each be showcasing their latest innovations at Comex 2012, as AMEinfo stated. Microsoft will also be speaking at the third day of the Comex Conference on the 1st of May where Dr. Azza Al Shinnawy, the Education and Citizenship Lead for Microsoft Gulf will be delivering a speech entitled "Bridging the gap between skills and training development in ICT Sector and Technical Employment" followed by a panel discussion addressing the role of technical education in boosting employability in the Sultanate of Oman. During Comex 2012, Microsoft will also host its first local Finals for the global student IT competition, Imagine Cup 2012. The local finals event is scheduled to take place in Muscat on the 2nd of May in collaboration with the Information Technology Authority in Oman and Omantel. The winner of the local finals will carry the Omani Flag in the global competition that will take place in Sydney, Australia in July 2012. Comex 2012, in its 22nd successive year, is one of the largest IT, telecom and consumer electronics events in the region and will take place between April 30 to May 4th, 2012 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Muscat.
