Microsoft offers Persian language interface

Microsoft has launched a Persian Language Interface Pack (LIP) that enables the language for its most popular productivity applications.

For the Persian LIP, development work was handled at Microsoft's facilities in Dublin and the US, while a team in Dubai worked on the linguistic elements, including a 25,000-word Persian dictionary.

The local academic community was also involved in the project. Two students from the University of Sharjah and one from the American University Dubai worked with the team here on testing and creation of the Persian dictionary.

The LIP can be installed on top of the English language version of Office 2003, to Persian-enable Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint applications.

The Persian LIP has been developed as part of Microsoft's Local Language Programme (LLP).

It works with developers and local interest groups to create Language Interface Packs, which enable the customisation of leading Microsoft software applications and platforms with local language capabilities.

"At Microsoft, we are committed to working with communities all over the world on programmes and initiatives that address their specific challenges and meet the needs of their citizens," said Assem Hijazi, localisation programme manager, Microsoft Corp.