Microsoft Corp. opened a technology center in China's most populous province of Henan on Friday, the sixth of its kind in the mainland that further consolidates Microsoft's presence in the huge market.

The Microsoft Technology Center (Henan), located in a software zone in the provincial capital of Zhengzhou, will serve as a platform for market-oriented technological exchanges, training and consultation, and develop customized software products and solutions based on Microsoft and partner technologies.

"We hope the center will bring into play Microsoft's technological advantage and management experience in information technology, especially in software field," said Microsoft Corporate Vice President Timothy Chen, also CEO of Microsoft Greater China Region, at the center's opening ceremony.

Calling the new center a "great step forward", Su Fugong, director of the provincial information technology department, said the local government has always encouraged multinationals to participate in the construction of the local IT industry.

"We believe the new technology center will advance the capabilities of Henan-based software developers who are using Microsoft's technologies," Su said.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed with the State Development and Reform Commission in 2002, Microsoft will invest at least 1 billion yuan (120 million US dollars) to develop China's software products and services and facilitate their entry into the world's IT market.

After setting its foot in China since 1992, Microsoft has expanded its businesses across the country, hiring more than 900 Chinese employees. It also strengthened cooperation with Chinese universities, research institutes and software enterprises.

Source: Xinhua