The Government of Malta and Microsoft Corporation announced they have reached an agreement to enter into a strategic partnership for the coming five years.  Made up of a number of key initiatives, the partnership will cover schemes related to Government licensing, school licensing, educational programmes and the establishment of a Microsoft Innovation Centre in Malta.  Mr. Francois Grech, Executive Director at Exigy, was present at the press conference, that was held on the 12th of July, during which such a partnership was announced.

Planned to be set up in Malta in 2012, the Microsoft Innovation Centre is an investment of more than €3 million, spread over 5 years between Microsoft and its partners.  Being the first ever Microsoft Innovation Centre worldwide to specialise on Cloud Computing, such an investment is aimed at stimulating a strong ICT skills base in Cloud Computing and the development of marketable Cloud Computing Solutions and Services.

The major educational initiatives undertaken – aimed at benefiting students, ICT professionals, the ICT industry and the wider economy alike – are a student software offer, Live@Edu and DreamSpark.  Students/teachers who attend/teach in state and non-state schools will be given the opportunity to acquire Windows 7 Professional Upgrade and Office Professional 2010 at a price that is 86% cheaper than the current market price.  Live@Edu will provide free access to cloud hosted online services for local students who will be able to benefit from free hosted email, free online storage and use of Office web apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. DreamSpark will provide post-secondary and tertiary students free access to professional Microsoft developer, designer and gaming software such as Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Developer and Visual Studio.

Hon Austin Gatt, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communication, said that the relationship between the Government and Microsoft, that goes back ten years, was intended to have spill-over benefits through value added initiatives for the wider society and economy.  Minister Gatt made reference to the various initiatives undertaken by Microsoft throughout this decade, including the numerous student software offers, the Microsoft Academies at the University of Malta and MCAST and the opportunity for local students to compete in the global Imagine Cup Competition.  Minister Gatt stated that through the Microsoft Innovation Centre, Malta will be building a strong local skill-base in cloud computing and related technologies.

Speaking about the educational programmes and initiatives, Mr. Claudio Grech, MITA Chairman, said that the student software offer is expected to attract 20,000 students and teachers for a total value of €10 million. Live@Edu is expected to be extended to 40,000 students and teachers over five years, equating to an investment of about €4.8 million, whilst DreamSpark is expected to be extended to 6,000 students and teachers over a five year period, equating to a value of another €9 million.

Ms. Adrianna Zammit, Microsoft Malta’s Country Manager, said that the government’s utilisation of IT is changing in line with the changes within the world of IT.  She affirmed that those governments that embrace such changes are mostly set to thrive and exploit IT as an enabler for success.  Ms. Zammit identified this as the main reason why Microsoft shares the basic principles of MITA’s strategic plan.  She concluded  by saying that such a strategic partnership is in line with Microsoft’s approach to support governments to achieve greater efficiency, citizen engagement and job creation.