Microsoft to expand India operations

Microsoft plans to expand its operations in the country over the next couple of years by opening centres in new locations.

At present, the software major is present in 12 Indian cities -- Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Indore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Ahmedabad , Chandigarh and Kochi.

"We intend to expand our operations in India to 30 centres over the next couple of years. We have one of our biggest research lab's in India. Our focus on India will continue to grow," Jean-Philippe Courtois, president (international operations), Microsoft told reporters here today.

Microsoft also plans to increase its headcount in India. "Since we are expanding in India, we will increase the headcount from the existing 5,000 by a couple of thousand," Courtois added.

He was in Bangalore to discuss e-governance initiatives for the Karnataka government. Microsoft has submitted a letter of intent to launch the 'paper-less office' concept in the government.

Sudhakar Rao, principal secretary to Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, said Microsoft has evinced interest in implementing the 'paper-less office' project across all departments in a phased manner in the state. "It will eliminate the dependence on paper work (manual files) in government offices. More computerisation of government process will also be taken up. This will help the state serve the public better," he added.

Initially, Microsoft will launch the 'paper-less office' concept in Karnataka's IT&BT department. "This project will run on a trial basis. Subsequently, it will be extended to other departments. The letter of intent submitted by Microsoft enables the government to use the company's software applications for e-governance projects," he added.

The project will not have any financial implication on the state. Microsoft and Karnataka are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) shortly to implement the e-governance projects.