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Microsoft sees strong appetite for the cloud

DUBAI — Software giant Microsoft said that cloud computing, which is heralding a new revolution in information and communication technology, will make a rapid penetration in the GCC as there is a strong appetite for the technology on the corporate and government levels.

Samer Abu Ltaif, general manager of Microsoft’s Enterprise & Partners Group in the Middle East and Africa, said the software leader is well positioned to lead this landmark transformation in the industry.

At GITEX, Microsoft is pressing ahead with its leading edge applications built for use in the cloud. “Microsoft is uniquely positioned to deliver a wide range of cloud capabilities that will increase value to customers, create new business opportunities for partners and drive technology advances in the region,” he said.

Ltaif said there is a positive trend among from private and public sector enterprises in adopting cloud computing that opens new vistas of increased productivity and cost savings. There are thousands of applications already built for use in the cloud, customers may benefit by using Microsoft’s own Azure cloud, or one of the platforms provided by partners.

At GITEX, Microsoft showcases both its consumer and enterprise offerings based on the cloud. Cloud computing is a game-changer and it will affect all. But to get there it will require a lot of execution and changes, he said. To ensure a smooth transition towards a cloud-based infrastructure, companies need to adopt an efficient hybrid-computing model.

Microsoft’s Azure Services platform promises to transform the way businesses operate and how consumers access their information and experience the Web, he said. Ltaif said Microsoft is focused on delivering technology and product innovation, and engaging with regional partners, customers and governments in advancing towards a knowledge-based economy in the region.

Microsoft’s Azure Services platform can run applications like Web-based e-mail, search, messaging, photo and video sharing, and other social-networking tools, as well as store and handle large amounts of data from businesses and corporations. All of that runs through data centers around the world.

In 2009, Microsoft invested $2.5 billion in setting up data centres, said Ltaif.

issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com