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Microsoft to "Soon" Launch Swahili-Language Operating System - Tanzanian Paper

Posted on: Monday, 14 June 2004, 06:00 CDT

Excerpt from report by Judica Tarimo entitled "Microsoft Kiswahili programming coming" published by Tanzanian newspaper The Guardian web site on 15 June

Computer software giant Microsoft will soon release a computer operating system in Kiswahili.

The programme will be released later this year and will enable computer users to adapt their copies of Microsoft products to display commonly used features in Kiswahili.

"Microsoft is committed to working with governments around the world in overcoming the challenge of building a vibrant information technology industry in today's global economy," Patrick Opiyo, the Microsoft East Africa localization manager, said in Dar es Salaam on Friday [11 June] evening. He said the Microsoft Kiswahili programme would allow governments to develop, enhance and expand IT economies and ensure global access to technology.

Individuals would be able to build their skills, open opportunities and realize overall IT progress as a result of a more personal interaction with personal computers in Kiswahili, he said. The Microsoft local language programme was launched last year and is designed to enhance vibrant IT economy among governments by offering the tools and knowledge needed by local users to create their own language solutions for desktop computer software. "With this programme, we are, in fact, addressing one of the most critical goals of national and regional governments worldwide," Opiyo said.

He said the programme would be distributed on behalf of Microsoft by third parties such as governments, local language authorities, and universities would be easily installed on licensed copies of the Window XP or Office 2003 Standard Edition. [Passage omitted]

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