Microsoft Freak : Microsoft US$20 million R&D center in Shanghai

Microsoft US$20 million R&D center in Shanghai

MICROSOFT Corp will set up a US$20 million MSN research and development center in Shanghai, the first of its kind in the group’s overseas market, Shanghai Daily learned yesterday.

The software giant aims to strengthen instant message business in China as it is still lagging behind domestic rival Tencent (QQ), industry insiders said.

“Microsoft has purchased a 90,000-square-meter site in the industry zone, and it should be a big project,” said a source at the Shanghai Zizhu Science-based Industrial Park, who declined be identified.

The industrial park is in the southwest of the city, and Intel and Shanghai Wicresoft, a joint venture between Microsoft and the Shanghai government, have set up facilities there.