Beirut, Lebanon, --- May 2002
TerraNet, Lebanon’s leader in Internet communications and a Microsoft Certified Partner, is proud to launch its new portal, TerraNet Plus (www.terra.net.lb), that offers diversified content in 3 languages: Arabic, English and French.

The portal is developed by TerraNet and designed and edited by its sister company TerraVision. It is the first and only site in Lebanon and the region to be entirely built on the Microsoft .NET technology.

This creative and useful Internet destination offers a comprehensive range of exciting information channels in three languages. With its new look and dynamic mood, the site is rich with regularly updated national, regional and international news covering politics, business, entertainment, sports, technology, and science. It also includes an extensive agenda of social and cultural events in Lebanon.

TerraNet’s world-class portal also includes webmail, a comprehensive directory and search engine of Lebanese websites, online travel reservations, discussion forums, polls, and online support.

To meet the challenges related to the competitive Lebanese market, TerraNet decided to invest in a new content management and development system, and to use the Microsoft .NET framework to build a custom solution.

“By building its new content management system using the Microsoft .NET platform, TerraNet seeks to realize all the benefits provided by Microsoft's new technology for building, deploying, and running .NET web services and applications—increased developer productivity, simplified application deployment and maintenance, and improved performance, security, and reliability”, said Elias Tabet, Partner and Technology Manager, Microsoft

"We selected the Microsoft platform because it enables the rapid development, simple integration, and improved operation of Microsoft .NET services and applications," said Tarek Bohsali, IT Solutions Manager, TerraNet. "With the Microsoft .NET Framework, we've been able to do more with less programming effort than we ever dreamed of. It also allows us to easily deploy our applications to a wider range of devices and platforms by capitalizing on XML and web services”.

About TerraNet
TerraNet, First ISP to acquire ISO 9002 Certificate and a Microsoft Certified Partner, is Lebanon’s leader in Internet communication.

It launched its services in 1999 offering a complete range of high-quality, high-performance Internet, Intranet, Extranet, and IT solutions that enable customers to increase productivity and profitability through Internet technology.

The company provides dial-up access (Regular and Digital) service using state-of-the-art technology as well as dedicated Internet connections to customers over leased lines and wireless links. It also provides custom IT solutions enabling customers to take advantage of the latest Internet-based technology in their own businesses.

Through its comprehensive service offerings and 24-hour a day, 7-day a week customer care providing, TerraNet meets the requirements of businesses, institutions, online content providers, and individuals.

About TerraVision
TerraVision is a pioneering Web design and e-solution company. It specializes in developing state-of-the-art Websites and leading edge e-solutions. TerraVision mission is to utilize the full potential of Internet technology to help companies transform their business into e-business, achieve positive return on investment and reach leading positions in the International market.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean (GEM) opened its Dubai-based Middle East headquarters office in 1991, since when subsidiaries have opened in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Microsoft GEM is responsible for the company's business in Pakistan, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Malta. In 1999, Microsoft opened offices in Lebanon, Kuwait and Pakistan and an office in Jordan and Oman earlier this year.

Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middleeast 

Microsoft, Microsoft Windows XP are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.