Microsoft Plans to Build China MSN Center
Microsoft plans to localize its MSN service in Shanghai
Software giant, Microsoft, has plans to build a research and development center for their MSN service in Shanghai, sources told Reuters on Wednesday. This will be the company's first overseas center of the sort.
Microsoft has made this decision based on the setbacks of China's Microsoft online services. Two executives in Microsoft's Chinese branch in charge of the company's Windows Live unit resigned late last year.
Software giant, Microsoft, has plans to build a research and development center for their MSN service in Shanghai, sources told Reuters on Wednesday. This will be the company's first overseas center of the sort.
Microsoft has made this decision based on the setbacks of China's Microsoft online services. Two executives in Microsoft's Chinese branch in charge of the company's Windows Live unit resigned late last year.
The estimated cost for the research and development center will cost upwards to $20 million and will be built in Shanghai's Zizhu Science Park, also the location of Intel's Chinese operation center.
China has an online market of 132 million users, 20 million being MSN Messenger users.
With the building of the R&D center, Microsoft will also be looking towards the large talent pool amongst China's techies. Media Partners Asia analyst Doug Crets stated that Western countries "squander" what is being done in China, and with the nations relaxed attitude toward intellectual property, Microsoft may be able to better deal with more experimental technology and business ventures.
Microsoft is surely making a name for itself in China's electronic market; with the development of the R&D center and its recent launch of the XBOX 360 console in mainland China.
Microsoft already has a R&D center in Beijing, but not specifically for the company's MSN services. The development of this center will boost Microsoft's chances of being the major player in China.
Sources also claimed that Microsoft's R&D center will be partnering up with Shanghai Media Group, one China's leading media companies. The collaboration will allow Chinese MSN user to download audio and video, along with business shopping, to be easier and quicker. The center may also design software for technical support for the joint venture.
China has an online market of 132 million users, 20 million being MSN Messenger users.
With the building of the R&D center, Microsoft will also be looking towards the large talent pool amongst China's techies. Media Partners Asia analyst Doug Crets stated that Western countries "squander" what is being done in China, and with the nations relaxed attitude toward intellectual property, Microsoft may be able to better deal with more experimental technology and business ventures.
Microsoft is surely making a name for itself in China's electronic market; with the development of the R&D center and its recent launch of the XBOX 360 console in mainland China.
Microsoft already has a R&D center in Beijing, but not specifically for the company's MSN services. The development of this center will boost Microsoft's chances of being the major player in China.
Sources also claimed that Microsoft's R&D center will be partnering up with Shanghai Media Group, one China's leading media companies. The collaboration will allow Chinese MSN user to download audio and video, along with business shopping, to be easier and quicker. The center may also design software for technical support for the joint venture.
