Microsoft sets up first technology lab in India

BANGALORE: Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. has set up a

laboratory for SQL Server 2000 in Chennai. This is the first time that Microsoft

is setting up a technology lab of this kind in India. Chennai-based Kumaran

Systems has been chosen by the company as its partner to institute and run the

laboratory. Through the lab, Microsoft aims to provide a showcase for its

upcoming database and analysis software, SQL Server 2000, slated to launch later

this year, a release said.

The lab offers customers live, proof of concept demos,

showcases features of Microsoft SQL Server 2000. According to the company

release, developers and Independent Software vendors (ISVs) can utilize the lab

to test and develop new applications, as well as to port existing applications

to the SQL Server 2000 platform. Microsoft will provide an ongoing support for

this initiative through access to the latest builds of the SQL Server 2000

software code and information on product development; skills transfer to enable

optimum utilization of the platform, as well as training and educational

resources on the product.

Speaking on the inauguration of the lab, Mr. Daniel Ingitaraj

K, Marketing Manager, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd., said, "Only

select countries outside the US, such as China and Israel have acquired a status

to open labs of such repute. This is the first time that a lab on an upcoming

technology, which has already clocked a world record, is being set up in India.

The lab will provide an opportunity for partners and customers to witness live

proof of concept demos such as setting up a web farm, web scaling and clustering

on Microsoft SQL Server 2000."