Microsoft Bahrain is the diamond sponsor of the third Bahrain International eGovernment Forum that is bringing together business and technology professionals from the public sector to share ideas and best practices.

The three-day forum opened yesterday (May 17) at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

“Government and public sector are under much greater pressure to deliver more efficient services than ever before,” said Mohammed Al Qaed, CEO, eGovernment Authority.

“We do believe that today technology plays a critical factor that will help improve national competitiveness, increase social opportunities for citizens and drive economic growth.”

“We look forward to this years event for government officials to familiarise themselves with most up-to-date technologies and help Bahrainis harness the power of technology,” he added.

Microsoft will highlight next-generation-based services, including cloud computing for the government and public sector that will help deliver more connected, effective and cost effective services to its citizens.

In addition, Ruediger Dorn, director of applied innovation public sector and Chris Bunio, public sector solution lead will address the critical business/operation challenges faced by the government sector, and discuss strategies for the future direction of eGovernment services in the Kingdom.

Badea Esbai, general manager, Microsoft Bahrain, said: “Microsoft supports Bahrain’s 2030 vision to accelerate the country’s economic strategy and enhance government efficiencies.”

“Microsoft is working closely with government officials and partners alike to address key challenges that they face, including economic recovery, jobs creation, reduced budgets, environmental sustainability, and meeting the expectations of citizens.”

“This forum provides an excellent forum to help government decision-makers understand how investments in technology can improve critical business elements and accommodate any future demands,” Esbai said.

Esbai added that the Bahrain Central Informatics Organization (CIO) recently renewed a three year enterprise licensing agreement with Microsoft to use the technology major’s latest software offerings.

The forum also aims to address key issues that face the government today including privacy, security, information management and client uptake. – TradeArabia News Service