Jordan Times
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Microsoft, int@j join
forces for Momentum 2004
By Rami Abdelrahman
AMMAN — Microsoft and int@j have teamed up with computer specialists and
programmers in an annual event to discuss the latest technological developments
from the world's largest computer company, and how businesses can benefit from
new technology.
Microsoft Country Manager Zaid Shubeilat told The
Jordan Times that Microsoft is currently focussing on the transfer and sharing
of knowledge with the communities it serves.
The annual event, entitled Momentum 2004, seeks to increase the knowledge-base
of Microsoft's partners and software providers, and ensure that customers are up
to date with the latest technologies designed specifically to address their
needs, according to Shubeilat.
“Also, Microsoft, Menhaj and the Ministry of Education are in the final stages
of computerising the ICT curriculum for primary school levels, which will be
tested in the Jordan Education Initiatives' 100 discovery schools next autumn,”
Shubeilat said.
He added that Microsoft will be meeting with government entities next week to
develop an e-government vision.
“We are already in the progress of developing the e-gateway, which links
government entities with each other to boost governmental cooperation and then
connect these entities with businesses and the public,” Shubeilat explained.
He said another project named “e-gate,” will provide passport digital
identification through fingerprints at the Kingdom's airports, aimed at
improving security and services.
Shubeilat said Microsoft is currently developing a computerised mechanism that
will keep track of all governmental expenditure.
He explained that this project, conducted with the help of the Ministry of
Planning and International Cooperation, is geared towards fighting corruption
and improving the transparency of governmental financial activities.
To help bridge the digital divide between rural and developed areas in the
Kingdom, Microsoft will be arranging for a Personal Computer initiative, which
offers a computer and Internet connection for a monthly fee of JD14, according
to Shubeilat.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and
Internet technologies for personal and business computing.