The global software giant announced Monday that it has finally appointed an Iraqi distributor to sell its products and offer customer support services. The company called it a sign of progress for Iraq. Rajai S. El-Khadem, Manager of company’s Business Development for Emerging Markets, said Baghdad-based Legend Lands Co. has been chosen as the Iraqi partner of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).
“This is a big step for Microsoft and for Iraq,” said El-Khadem. “As of today Microsoft will be officially and locally represented in Iraq … to provide Microsoft licenses, support and services for our clients and resellers.”
He said that Iraq is an aggressive and promising market that should be served at the same level as any other country. However, he urged the Iraqi government to bring forth the laws to protect intellectual property rights and software usage.
Iraq has seen decades of war and a number of sanctions. They have all contributed to today’s heavy shortage of technology in Iraq. Lack of appropriate laws and government’s limited supervision has stuffed the software market with illegal products.
Ahmed Izzedien, the owner of Legend Lands Co., said that his firm will be offering a wide range of Microsoft products to address the requirements of home users, private and public sector companies and government. Ahmed added that they will build a network of re-sellers countrywide to offer support and services.
“Things have changed in Iraq in a way that needs to address the major needs such as updating software used by the government … and to move in parallel with economic development, mainly in the oil sector,” he said.
