Microsoft and Qatar Foundation launch initiative to provide affordable software for students

Microsoft has come to an agreement with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, to provide its students and community members with heavily discounted software. Named “Student Select”, the initiative was set up to further Microsoft and Qatar Foundation’s dedication to delivering quality education in the country. By enabling students to utilize the latest Microsoft products at academic prices, the initiative aids students and teachers alike to reach their full potential.

All students have to do to access the most up to date Microsoft software is to log on to the web portal and order their digital copy downloads of the latest Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office Professional 2010. The cost is significantly cheaper, with a copy of Office costing just 255.5QAR instead of 1,821.35QAR.

Mohammed Hammoudi, Country Manager Microsoft Qatar said: “The potential of students and teachers is something that is there to be unlocked, and by providing them with the latest IT tools in their homes, they have the opportunity to make the most of their talents. In offering the most up-to-date products to the Qatar Foundation community at significantly discounted academic prices, we ensure students and educators are working towards a knowledge-based society built on technology – building an even more robust future for Qatar.”

Khalid A. Al-Sulaiteen, Executive Director of Operations, Qatar Foundation added: “One of the Qatar Foundation’s primary aims is to make Qatar a leader in innovation, education and research. By providing youth with the opportunities and technology needed to become pioneers in the modern world, we are preparing to build the knowledge base for Qatar’s future that is the students of today. A partnership with Microsoft such as the Student Select initiative showcases the commitment that both Qatar Foundation and Microsoft have to making this happen.”

Sa’di Aweinat, Director of Information Technology at Qatar Foundation commented: “Qatar Foundation is keen on protecting intellectual property while educating students on the importance of genuine software and promoting cyber safety and security within the community. Furthermore, this agreement will provide the student community within Qatar Foundation software at a feasible cost. We are happy to partner with Microsoft and other vendors on similar iniativies.”

The service is being provided through a web portal (http://qataredu.onthehub.com) supported by Microsoft partner Mannai, giving students access anytime, anywhere.