Microsoft has signed up Oasis500 as its strategic partner in Jordan to help develop and enhance the technical, operational and technological skills of entrepreneurs in the telecom and IT sector.

Oasis500, which finances and incubates start up businesses, said the move is aimed at facilitating the success of the early stage entrepreneurs and their businesses and provide them with the opportunity to compete at an international level.

As part of the agreement, the duo will provide IT startup companies with software, tools, support and visibility through the BizSpark program, which offers opportunities for networking and enhanced communication with international companies.

The agreement also tasks Microsoft and Oasis500 with the responsibility of effectively contributing to the development and enhancement of the IT sector and IT professionals, and providing more opportunities for startups to excel through organizing various activities that bring together developers, programmers, designers, and marketing staff in the IT sector.

Also under the agreement, Oasis500 will assist Microsoft in introducing Cloud Computing and its programs - a state of the art technology that comprises applications and IT programs as services as well as products.

Husni Khuffash, country manager of Microsoft Jordan, said, 'Our partnership with Oasis500, a specialist in accelerating the transformation of innovative ideas into businesses in the IT and telecom sector, is part of our efforts to offer integrated opportunities that include appropriate tools and skills that create successful businesses.'

Usama Fayyad, executive chairman of Oasis500, said, 'We are confident that this collaboration will achieve our goal of promoting the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.'

'It will provide owners of startups with the necessary tools, direction and guidance to effectively contribute to bolstering the telecom and IT industry’s role in supporting local economic and investment activities, and ensuring a spot for this industry on the international map,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service