Microsoft launches Windows 8 in Ghana at Open Door Event

Microsoft Ghana has unveiled Windows 8 to its customers and partners in Ghana.

This followed the global launch, which took place on Friday, October 26.

Since the launch, local consumers and businesses had been experiencing all that Windows 8 has to offer: a beautiful new UI, a wide range of apps with the grand opening of the Windows Store, on more than 1000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.

Windows 8 was the main product exhibited during Microsoft’s Open Door events held in Accra, which was targeted at IT professionals, developers and partners.

Microsoft’s Open Door Events served as a platform to address the demand for more spaces in which African technology professionals are able to experience the latest-generation technologies first-hand, exchange ideas, build skills, and network with their local IT community and Microsoft technology experts.

Mr Emmanuel Onyeje, Country Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, said with the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft had re-imagined Windows to the world.

“Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs”, he said.

He said Windows 8 would be available in two versions at retail, which are Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, adding that for business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offered new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows ToGo, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.

The occasion was used to launch a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which would be available pre-installed on new devices.

Mr Onyeje said Windows 8 featured the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, saying “the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive”.

He said in addition to the range of new devices available, consumers could also upgrade their existing Personal Computers (PC).

He explained that through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 were qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of 39.99 dollars.

He added that eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries could download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of 14.99 dollars.

Mr Olaide Akisanya, General Manager, Ha-Shem Network Service Limited said Windows 8 was an excellent product, which empowers customers work force by enhancing their business productivity and smarter and better.

“They can view the world at their palm once they have installed on their devices. It gives customers an eagle eye view of the world”, he said.

Microsoft's network of partners across Ghana include local developers who build software products for local businesses to deploy solutions based on Microsoft technology, further helping to drive local innovation, growth and competitiveness through continued investment in the local IT economy.

By equipping local businesses with the tools to develop local technology solutions, Microsoft is helping to give this vital growth engine vitality and long-term sustainability through valuable skills and new jobs.

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