The Government of Bahrain has signed an agreement with Microsoft to deploy its Live@Gov suite of solutions.

The country has become the first to do so globally, said a statement.

The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony attended by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister for Cabinet Affairs; Jon Beighle, general manager of Windows Live - Microsoft; Mohammed Al Qaed, CEO of Bahrain eGovernment Agency; and Charbel Fakhoury, general manager - Microsoft Gulf.

Live@Gov will provide all individuals of Bahrain with a secure location for government-to-citizen communication as well as enabling them to communicate more effectively with each other through the latest and most innovative platforms.

The integrated platform provides tools to search, share, blog and communicate online, all under the Windows Live brand. These robust and innovative communication tools offer citizens new ways to interact with their online and physical communities. The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain will offer all these services at no cost to the individual end users.

“The Government of Bahrain has identified that the ability to access and use the latest technology in everyday tasks is a key driver for economic and social development within the Kingdom and today we have demonstrated our commitment to this by ensuring that every single individual – young and old – is able to seamlessly share and communicate on and through the web, computers and mobile devices in a safe and productive environment,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Government of Bahrain.

 “Our goal, through this partnership with Microsoft, is to empower and enable our citizens by being the world’s first to provide them with this innovative and leading solution. The capabilities and investment Microsoft is putting towards Windows Live, coupled with the commitment of the Bahrain eGovernment programme is sure to create a thriving online community for the individuals and government of Bahrain”, remarked Mohammed Al Qaed, CEO, eGovernment Agency.

With Windows Live@Gov, the Government of Bahrain will provide every citizen with a Windows Live email account and identification, giving them access to a myriad of services through a custom government domain such as citizen@bahrain.gov. The email address issued by Windows Live@Gov will be accessible and hosted by Windows Live Hotmail and may be accessed through a number of websites including https://mail.live.com. In addition to Windows Live Hotmail, individuals will be able to use their ID to sign up for services on Windows Live ID sites such as Windows Live Spaces and Windows Live Messenger.

“Microsoft is committed to enabling communities and individuals to realise their potential and the Live@Gov suite was designed exactly with this goal in mind,” commented Jon Beighle, General Manager, Windows Live, Microsoft.

“Windows Live will be available to all Bahrain residents in 2008, and is an amalgamation of innovative yet familiar communication; sharing and safety tools and we are excited that this first country-wide deployment will take place with a Government that is not only a long-standing, valued partner of Microsoft’s but is also one that shares our commitment to providing people with the tools and opportunities to achieve and excel.”

“Our partnership with the Government and private sector in Bahrain is strong and we continue to work together to create opportunities for GCC nationals to participate in the growth and development of the country,” concluded Charbel Fakhoury, general manager, Microsoft Gulf.

“Across the region, Microsoft strives to be a responsible partner,<