Microsoft Gulf announces new division at regional meeting

Microsoft Gulf has announced the formation of its regional Consumer Channels Group (CCG), which will bring together the company’s Retail, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Distribution and Communications Sector Channel teams into one organisation. This will create new business opportunities and deliver exciting consumer experiences through Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox and Office for the first time having been previously not available in the region.

The formation of CCG will see Microsoft Gulf expand its range of lifestyle and personal computing products to customers by offering its complete range of merchandise in Sharaf DG stores across the United Arab Emirates. Sharaf DG is one of Microsoft Gulf’s value-added partners in the region, therefore would be able to provide customers with Microsoft’s high quality products at highly competitive prices.

Samer Abu-Ltaif, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf commented: “The formation of the Consumer Channels Group (CCG) will enable us to further strengthen our relationship with Sharaf DG, which has been one of our valued partners since 2007.”

He also added: “Windows 7, Office 2010, and Xbox 360 have grown to become leaders in their categories in stores, and we look forward to further to future collaborations that will allow us to contribute to Sharaf DG’s growth in sales in the region.”

One of Microsoft’s innovative products that has been key in driving sales in the region is the Kinect for Xbox 360, the controller-free gaming system, which recently entered the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest-selling gaming console. And high demand is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2011.

Earlier this month, Microsoft revealed that a plethora of new gaming titles will be released by the end of the year. Another exciting milestone has been Microsoft’s announcement on the availability of the Kinect for Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) from Microsoft Research, a free beta release for non-commercial applications designed to create experiences, such as depth sensing, human motion tracking, and voice and object recognition using Kinect technology on Windows 7.

Nilesh Khalkho, CEO, Sharaf DG said: “Since its arrival late last year, Kinect for Xbox 360 has generated an unprecedented amount of interest, and it is the leading console in its category. With additional titles being released soon, and with Microsoft increasing the variety of applications in which the Kinect can be used, we expect the demand for the Kinect and Xbox 360 gaming platform to continue to grow this year.”

Microsoft Gulf will also continue to expand on its commitment to training in the region by providing extensive capacity development programmes for retail sales individuals. These training programmes will help them develop an overall understanding of the Microsoft range, hence offer exceptional in-store consumer experience.