Microsoft, Compaq in partnership

BANGALORE: Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. and Compaq

Computer India Pvt. Ltd. have announced a partnership under which both companies

will together invest Rs 1 crore during the three-month period beginning May 15

for promoting Windows 2000 and Compaq hardware in the area of e-business.

This Indian alliance is the result of a synthesis between

Microsoft’s Business Internet vision and Compaq’s NonStop eBusiness

offering, said a release here. Through this alliance, the companies will host

technology showcases at Software Technology Parks across the country. A

Compaq-Microsoft Competency Center will also be set up in Bangalore. It will

function as a proof of concept center for high-end technology like clustering,

load balancing and interoperability between platforms including Windows, Novell

Netware and Tru 64 Unix, the release added.

The partnership will target enterprises, small and medium

businesses and the developer community in India to communicate the advantages of

the Windows 2000-Compaq platform. Microsoft and Compaq plan an aggressive joint

marketing campaign comprising reseller training events and a pan-India customer

road show to educate target audiences. Product bundling, aggressively priced for

small and medium businesses, and a joint awareness building campaign are also

being planned.