Microsoft CEO visits Algeria
2007-10-05
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made his first official visit to Algeria on Wednesday (October 3rd), where he met with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
By Mohand Ouali for Magharebia in Algiers – 05/10/2007
 [Mohand Ouali] Ballmer said Microsoft will continue to help Algeria's technology sector develop. |
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made a visit to Algeria on Wednesday (October 3rd) to discuss ways the company can support the Algerian government's effort to expand its education, telecommunications and technology sectors. On his arrival, Ballmer said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet the president of the republic and members of the government, in order to make Microsoft’s expertise and support available to them, so that they can successfully pursue their large-scale initiatives using new technologies."
Speaking of his meeting with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Ballmer said: "I told the president that Microsoft’s policy was still the same: continuing to help with developing new information technologies in Algeria," APS quoted him as saying.
The Microsoft CEO then met with a group of ministers to strengthen ties between the two sides and highlight the role that Microsoft could play in supporting the Algerian government’s informatics activities, such as rolling out programmes for young people in Algeria.
Ballmer also met with National Education Minister Boubekeur Benbouzid to discuss co-operation projects between the education ministry and Microsoft in reforming the national education system. One such project is the Microsoft Learning Gateway, a system that allows users to collaborate over networks, exchange information, share resources and access a rich educational content bank. The joint project could also extend to the Innovative Teachers Forum, which permits teachers to access an international programme Microsoft developed to give schools better access to new technologies which allow teachers and pupils to communicate without limits or constraints.
A related project is the School Technology Innovation Centre, where the latest Microsoft teaching technologies and solutions allow teachers to adapt their methods in innovative ways to keep pace with the latest technologies and the developing needs of the job market.
Among other important projects being negotiated with Microsoft is an agreement with the Youth and Sports Ministry to participate in the launch of the AJIALCOM programme, with support from the UN Development Programme. The AJIALCOM programme aims to create 10 centres in youth clubs to house IT equipment and facilities for young people to use for entertainment and training purposes to encourage them to get involved in sporting and social life. The programme provides for 50 such centres over the next 3 years, and 250 trainers to staff them.
Mehdi Tobbal, CEO of Microsoft Gold-certified partner company PC Compo said, "Steve Ballmer’s visit is a strong signal to professionals and decision-makers in the information technology sector. It proves that technology in Algeria has reached a significant level. I hope the visit will have a positive impact on the work of developers and on the software industry in Algeria."
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Ego Posted 2008-06-24
Finally, a visitor who does not flout his knowledge with hollow words! He is someone to whom we can only say, “Welcome, sir!”
attabi ayoub Posted 2008-07-04
This is a nice initiative by the administrators of this site. I have a suggestion which I hope you will take into consideration. There should be a corner in the site consolidating links and unity between the people of the Arab Maghreb and planting in their hearts pride for their religion and nation. Thank you very much.
maryam Posted 2009-04-01
Thank you for all the news. We hope you keep up the good work!
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