Microsoft focuses on new era of opportunities at Tech-Ed Middle East 2011

S. Somasegar, Senior Vice President, Developer Division, Microsoft Corp today opened the second edition of Tech-Ed Middle East in Dubai with a keynote speech focusing on a new era of opportunities across the technology landscape. He addressed more than 1700 developers and IT professionals along with technology partners who came together at the start of Tech-Ed Middle East which Microsoft’s premier technology event is offering the region’s IT community a chance to explore Microsoft’s latest, ground-breaking technologies. 

Somasegar pinpointed two overwhelming trends changing technology experiences today starting with proliferation of devices. The number of smartphones in the world is expected to exceed the number of desktops and laptops by 2012 accompanied by an explosion of applications and data flow. Cloud Computing was the second major trend e highlighted with 80% of enterprises evaluating cloud computing for reasons as simple as economics and the agility it can offer IT. The keynote covered how Proliferation of devices & Cloud Computing can enable more immersive and rich experiences to connect users around the world. 

Speaking about developer opportunity around devices, Somasegar outlined an opportunity for game developers with the Kinect for Windows SDK (Software Development Kit) being made available within the next few months as a free download. This “starter kit” for developers makes it easier to create richer experiences using Kinect technology, giving them an opportunity to access key pieces of the Kinect system – like audio technology, system application programming interfaces and direct control of the Kinect sensor itself. 

Expanding on his proliferation of devices theme, Somasegar touched upon how mobile phones are increasingly extending into the cloud realm. According to Somasegar, “At Microsoft we believe the best user experiences span multiple devices and form factors and we’re seeing more and more device scenarios where applications are synched and tethered to the cloud. With Windows Phone 7, for example, consumers will be able to access their Xbox via their smartphone and engage in a host of other online experiences.” 

Since the launch of Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 in 2010, over 1 million tools have been downloaded worldwide. Currently there are 8,271 apps available with over 100 new apps added very day. Focusing on the regional developer opportunity for Windows Phone 7, Somasegar announced the launch of Yalla Apps which is a solution for MEA developers to have Windows Phone 7 global marketplace access. Yalla Apps is a Windows Phone 7 marketplace which enables developers (Individuals, ISVs and students) to register, unlock their phones and submit their Apps to the Windows Phone 7Marketplace. 

Touching upon the significance of Cloud Computing, Somasegar commented on the fact that Cloud Computing has the potential to accelerate the speed and lower the cost of IT while delivering reliable services.

Somasegar added: “Microsoft has the most comprehensive approach to cloud computing which gives customers the freedom to access the full power of the cloud on their terms.  It’s important to Microsoft that our customers have options.  So - whether in your datacenter, with a service provider, or from Microsoft datacenters  – Microsoft provides the flexibility and control to consume IT as a Service whichever way best meets your unique business needs.” 

He concluded, “ One of the benefits of working with clouds powered by Microsoft technologies is that you will be able to use a common set of tools – the ones you’re already familiar with – across our private and public clouds. Microsoft has a common set of identity, management, and Developer tools.” 

Commenting on the launch of new developer tools, Somasegar talked about the impending launch of Visual Studio LightSwitch Beta 2. Visual Studio LightSwitch Beta 2 demonstrates significant advancements from Beta 1, including the addition of the ability to deploy a LightSwitch application directly to Windows Azure.  Visual Studio LightSwitch will give developers a simpler and faster way to create high-quality line-of-business applications for the desktop, the web, and the cloud by providing a simplified development model with tools that abstract away a majority of the code writing and technology decisions enabling them to focus on their business needs.

To register or for more information on Tech-Ed Middle East 2011, visit www.teched.ae.