Microsoft Windows 7 to help businesses save

Microsoft’s Tech-Ed Africa 2009 kicked off with announcements of new technologies that the company says will enable IT professionals and developers to help their organisations save money and improve efficiencies during difficult economic times.

The event marked the official launch of Microsoft’s latest client operating system, Windows 7, as well as Windows Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008 R2.

“Microsoft is committed to ensuring that IT professionals and developers continue to have the platform and technologies to drive maximum value and business results. Getting the most out of IT investments is more important than ever in today’s economy,” said Mteto Nyati, Microsoft South Africa’s managing director, who delivered a keynote speech at the event.

At the keynote, Microsoft executive Fred Baumhart cited the combined benefits of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 as an ideal example of delivering business efficiencies and cost savings through technology.

“SQL Server 2008 R2 empowers end users to make better decisions through self-service business intelligence, and help IT drive greater efficiency and reduce costs through new capabilities,” said Baumhart. “This builds on the outstanding value of SQL Server 2008, which already provides some customers with as much as a 160 percent return on their investment.”

Nyati said the entire event will focus on how Microsoft’s products and technologies can help customers and partners reduce costs and drive efficiencies.