Microsoft to launch surface computers

Customers in the Middle East will soon be able to use Microsoft's surface computers, which is a multi-touch and object-sensing screen in table top designs, allowing people to work collaboratively.

Global software giant Microsoft is going intercontinental with touch-screen surface computers and a suite of business software offered online as services "in the cloud".

Microsoft said it would expand availability of its surface computing platform to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The product is already available in Canada and the United States.

They can also allow businesses to automatically track what comes and goes. For example, a bottle of beverage could be placed on a surface computer table in a café, with the price instantly posted to a customer's tab.

"We have received an overwhelming response from companies worldwide that are looking for innovative ways to engage with their customers and developers who want to create applications that were not possible with other technologies," said Microsoft Surface General Manager Panos Panay.

Microsoft says it has more than 120 partners in 11 countries developing ways to use surface computers in retail, health care, government, tourism, media, travel, banking, manufacturing and other sectors.

The US software giant is also stepping further into cloud computing, by letting businesses in 19 countries test its Business Productivity Online Suite.

The cloud computing trend has intensified as businesses struggling in dismal economic conditions reduce costs by using applications online as paid services instead of buying, installing and maintaining software on their own machines.

"These services open up new possibilities for businesses to control costs while continuing to enhance the productivity of their employees," said Microsoft business division President Stephen Elop.

"People can save 10 per cent and 50 per cent in IT-related expenses."

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