Page 48 - SAMENA Trends - March 2020

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority Names Microsoft as Strategic Partner of Dubai
Technology Entrepreneur Campus

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has CFO and Executive Vice President for The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority has
signed a memorandum of understanding Technology and Entrepreneurship at taken strides in creating and encouraging
(MoU) with Microsoft. The year-long DSOA, said: “DSOA and Microsoft have an environment for entrepreneurial spirits”
agreement appoints Microsoft as a a shared vision of creating a vibrant said Roberto Croci, Managing Director
strategic partner of Dubai Technology ecosystem of startups and entrepreneurs Microsoft for Startups. “Our work with their
Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), the largest that empowers them to break barriers DTEC Campus will ensure that startups get
tech hub in the Middle East, wholly owned and achieve success. We welcome this the strongest possible support as they
by DSOA. The MoU outlines a framework agreement that enhances our ability join the economy, innovate and create
to leverage Microsoft’s technology and to invest in ambitious tech innovators. jobs. Together, we will nurture them on the
solutions to advance Dtec’s objective of “Microsoft is a leader in the industry and road to digital transformation – engaging
fostering high-potential UAE startups. a pioneer in innovative technologies. Its customers, empowering employees,
The agreement also supports Microsoft’s mission to empower businesses to achieve optimizing operations and reinventing
long-term goal of catalyzing promising more makes the company an ideal mentor products and services.” Dubai Technology
B2B and B2C startups, to create an for Dtec’s startups. We are confident that Entrepreneur Campus is the largest tech
enabling environment for innovation and this MoU will significantly contribute to hub and coworking space in the MENA
entrepreneurship. Startups operating driving the growth of UAE startups, and region and a base of operations for more
from Dtec can benefit from the ‘Selected look forward to a rewarding partnership.” than 800 startups from 72 countries.
Startups’ prioritized application path
to the Microsoft for Startups program,
while exceptional startups in Microsoft’s
program may be considered for one of
Dtec’s acceleration programs. Select Dtec
startups can also use Microsoft-supplied
products, resources and facilities to
strengthen their technological capabilities
and accelerate business growth. The MoU
also enables Microsoft to host expert-led
workshops for Dtec’s startups and creates
opportunities for Microsoft executives
to mentor them. Such efforts seek to
develop local talent and, in turn, enrich the
region’s technological landscape. Dtec
and Microsoft have also agreed to sponsor
and participate in strategic events, such as
Demo Days, as well as promote programs
and initiatives that draw upon the natural
synergy between the two organizations.
Speaking on the MoU, William Chappell,

Microsoft to Acquire Affirmed Networks

Microsoft has signed a definitive agreement roles. Just yesterday, Affirmed Networks today. “We delivered on that vision by
to acquire Affirmed Networks, which sells announced a new president and CEO, with bringing market-leading innovation in
virtualized, cloud-native mobile network Anand Krishnamurthy replacing Hassan virtual evolved packet core; a cloud-native
solutions to operators. Terms were not Ahmed, who is retiring. “We founded platform for 5G; and a range of capabilities
revealed. The move makes a lot of sense Affirmed with a vision to help mobile in automation and orchestration that
given Microsoft’s desire to help the telecom operators fundamentally transform how made us a leader with over 100 customers
industry maintain 5G networks from the they build and operate their networks across the globe.”Krishnamurthy is a co-
cloud. Upon the close of the transaction, and to create and deliver innovative founder of the company, and previously
Affirmed Networks will become part of new services at significantly lower cost served as president and COO. Microsoft
Microsoft, but the companies didn’t talk than what was considered possible,” said the acquisition will allow it to evolve
about specifics in terms of management Krishnamurthy said in his message its work with the telecom industry, building

48 MARCH 2020