Windows 8 App Debuts at Gitex 2012 Ahead of Windows 8 General Availability on October 26

Application developed by LINK Development in collaboration with Microsoft and DWTC to provide an even greater experience with easy-to-use mobile application

Mobilk - More than 138,000 visitors to Gitex, the foremost technology show in the region, will have a seamless high-tech Gitex experience this year thanks to the collaboration between Microsoft, LINK Development and The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organisers of Gitex Technology Week 2012. 

 

Collaboration between the three corporations, each an industry leader, led to showcasing the most trending application built on Microsoft technology, even before the official launch of Windows 8 towards the end of October. The app will provide show visitors an easy navigation path through different parts of GITEX.

 

This new world premier for Dubai and the region will give visitors an exclusive sneak preview and experience of the Windows 8 app for Gitex before the official launch of Windows 8 later this month. Visitors to the technology gala will be greeted with the app and guided through it. 

 

LINK Development, a leading provider of integrated software solutions across the Middle-East, in collaboration with Microsoft, has developed a new Windows 8 mobile application exclusively for Gitex to bring the event to life through technology and to give thousands of international, regional and local visitors to the premier ICT show in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MEASA),  a unique way of staying in touch with the latest happenings, announcements and an easy way to find the location of exhibitors stands at the five-day event.  This LINK Development Windows 8 app will bring a distinctive experience to GITEX for the first time in the Middle East.

 

Designed especially for GITEX Technology Week, which begins today (14th of October), the new application aims to provide a new experience to visitors by providing them in-depth prior information about more than 3,500 individual exhibitors from 77 countries and their products and services. Additionally, the visitors will have access to the agenda of the conferences and events throughout the week, thus bringing all the information together at a click of a button. This fast and fluid Gitex app features a high-end professional Windows 8 application design with a ‘par excellence’ usage of the screen, a great touch experience and pinch-to-zoom-in options.  

Commenting on the launch of the Gitex App, Tarek El Araby, LINK Development’s Commercial Director, stated: “It is not a surprise that the Dubai World Trade Centre decided to adopt one of the hottest ICT trends when it chose to offer a Windows 8 app to its visitors and exhibitors this year, giving them an even better overall experience. For more than 31 years of the life of the show, GITEX has maintained its position as the industry’s trend setting authority. Its organisers kept it on the high priority annual agenda of major international and regional ICT companies through continuous improvements and innovation. The Windows 8 mobile app is yet another world premier for the show.”

Michael Mansour, Developer and Platform Evangelism Lead at Microsoft Gulf commented: “Microsoft is thrilled to be launching the GITEX Windows 8 App in collaboration with LINK Development and DWTC. We are keen to provide GITEX visitors with an enhanced experience through the use of Window 8 technology. We are excited about showcasing the seamless functionality of Windows 8 and the integrated experience all of which comes to life in this App.” he continued; “We are very proud of the partnership between LINK Development and DWTC, and are committed to continually enhancing the lives of the UAE’s citizens by providing them with access to the latest Microsoft innovation,” he said.   

Yvonne Zeljkovic, Director, GITEX Technology Week at DWTC explained: “GITEX continually identifies the hottest global IT trends and incubates these into the event. The high-end quality Windows 8 app, along with other technologies developed for the show, will give all visitors the opportunity to optimise their experience to engage and learn. It will play a very important role in Gitex Technology Week by facilitating the ease of information to our visitors on various exhibitors, products and services and conferences. We at Gitex aim to introduce the latest technological innovations year after year. Our commitment to technology has made this show the pioneer IT event in the region. With mobile based applications becoming increasingly popular with smart phone users globally and in the region, the Gitex app will resonate the essence of technology at the show”.

 

She continued: “Exhibitors will also get higher Return on Investment (ROI) when they get more relevant visits from decision makers and ICT professionals who come to their stands to examine a particular product or service and engage in a significant business discussion.”

Based on the Windows 8 design language, the LINK Development app simplifies user interface through typography, content and animation. The App also offers “search and share” options through Windows 8 charms, which makes socialising more viable and smooth for users.