Microsoft chooses Comtel Integrators Africa as strategic partner in the African market

[Kampala, 21st June 2008] The East and Central African IT services company, Comtel Integrators Africa and Microsoft have today, June 21st 2008, agreed to a strategic partnership related to the development and offering of a wide variety of localised software services for the Sub Saharan Small and Medium IT market with the possibilities of extending this into the Corporate space in the future.

“This will allow all sizes and types of businesses to take advantage of software as a service. This initiative will contribute towards bridging the digital dive in Africa and will reduce the entry barrier for businesses to invest in efficient IT infrastructure. Comtel Integrators Africa has invested 2 Billion Shillings on this regard and will initially provide services to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Malawi. Today in East & Central Africa, we believe we have a calling to impact the populous through the way we know best – That is, to use computer technology to better the lives of people. With the knowledge and experience we have acquired so far, our intention is now to intensify the reach of our vision through touching more people in a more effective and efficient manner. We wish to foster for all Africans starting in East and Central Africa, “a better life through technology”, and thus the partnership with Microsoft.” - Wayne Robinson Business Development Director – Comtel Integrators Africa.

“Comtel Integrators Africa is a correct strategic partner for Microsoft in this area due to their technical and business competency. We regard Comtel Integrators Africa as well qualified to deliver Microsoft’s Software as a Service vision. We will work together, ensuring that we tailor both our own services as well as third party Microsoft ISV services to fit the local market needs. We are excited to start working with Comtel Integrators Africa in bridging the digital divide in Central and Eastern Africa.” - John Creed, Service Enablement Director EMEA - Microsoft.

Microsoft has a very limited number of strategic partners in this area in the African continent.

Software and Services solutions of the future

Comtel Integrators Africa and Microsoft will now cooperate to develop services solutions (”Software + Services”) that will fit the local African markets. Businesses that want to utilize Microsoft’s and local ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) technologies can hereby do so without large investments in infrastructure, licenses and competence. Microsoft and ISVs will supply the technologies and Comtel Integrators Africa will provide hosting, operations and support. The parties plan to introduce the first services before end of CY08.

Comtel Integrators Africa’s business model in this area will be indirect, enabling other Microsoft partners and Communication providers to resell these services. This model will enable Comtel Integrators Africa to quickly reach economies of scale and to expand into new territories in Africa.

According to Gartner, Software as a service (SaaS) will have a compound impact on how businesses will buy and support IT-services over the next five years. Especially small-and-midsize-businesses will prefer products and services which are built around this model.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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About Comtel Integrators Africa

Comtel Integrators Africa is a relentless pacesetter of high quality and architectural information and communication technology solutions in East and Central Africa. Founded in 2005 by 4 entrepreneurs who realised the urgent need for a system integration company in the market. Since the company’s inception the 4 entrepreneurs have gradually lead the company to become the number one IT systems integrator in East & Central Africa. Comtel Integrators Africa has deep aspirations of becoming THE leading system integrators and provider of information and communication technology solutions that empower customers to achieve their goals. People always expect a simple straight-forward answer whenever they ask us, “What business are you in” - Our answer seems vague to some but is clear as follows: “we are a relentless pacesetter of high quality and architectural information and communication technology solutions that empower customers to achieve their goals.” - Vikash Kanapetradu, Managing Director.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Comtel Integrators Africa, please visit the Comtel Integrators Africa Web page at www.comtelafrica.com and the Corporate Profile herein.

Contact Microsoft:
Ece Kocabicak, Service Enablement lead MEA
Email: ecek@microsoft.com
Mobile: +90533 595 7776

Contact Comtel:
Cedric Tsiga
Email: cedrict@comtelafrica.com
Mobile: +256 777 028 534