Microsoft to open research arm in B'lore

BANGALORE: Microsoft Research, Microsoft Corp.'s 13-year-old basic research arm, announced that it has selected Bangalore, India, as the location for its third research facility outside the United States. Microsoft Research Lab India Private Ltd., scheduled to open in January 2005, plans to employ about two dozen scientists, interns and support staff in the first year, according to a company press communique.

P. Anandan, an internationally renowned researcher in computer vision and video analysis and a seven-year veteran of Microsoft Research in Redmond, will lead Microsoft Research India.

Microsoft Research India's mission will be to conduct long-term basic and applied research and to collaborate with Indian research institutions and universities as part of Microsoft's ongoing commitment to engaging with academic and scientific communities worldwide to accelerate scientific progress and innovation in computer science and software engineering, stated the release.

The establishment of Microsoft Research India builds on Microsoft Research's previous endeavors in India through its University Relations program since 2001. The lab will begin operations by investigating the following areas: multilingual systems, technologies for emerging markets, geographical information systems, and sensor networks.

"India's growing international reputation for excellence in computer science research and engineering make it a natural choice for the newest Microsoft Research facility," said Rick Rashid, senior vice president of Microsoft Research. "The diversity of India's languages and culture, its deep respect for education, and its rich humanitarian tradition make India uniquely suited for investigations into areas of computing that can help the global community gain better connectivity, promote literacy and define the technology experience for decades to come."

"This new research lab underscores Microsoft's commitment to partnership with India, and builds on our strong collaboration over the past 10 years," said Ravi Venkatesan, chairman of Microsoft India. "Microsoft recognizes the tremendous potential of India's people and the Indian IT industry, and we believe our shared efforts can help realize India's potential and bring the benefits of technology to literally billions of people, both here in India and worldwide."