Microsoft signs MOU with Hangzhou government

May. 21, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Microsoft Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Hangzhou municipal government to form a three-year strategic partnership with the capital city of Zhejiang Province.

According to the agreement, Microsoft will build a cloud computer center in the city and the Microsoft (Hangzhou) Center, aiming to reinforce Microsoft's technological upgrading. Meanwhile, the U.S. company will also set up an institute with Hangzhou Normal University and provide training and technical supports to the teachers.

Both sides hope the cooperation will enhance the city's innovation and intellectual property protection (IPR). The city will try to enhance the local residents awareness of IPR and promote the usage of authentic software in computers of enterprises and schools.

Although no financial details of the MOU are disclosed so far, it is estimated that the cooperation will involve a total investment of more than US$1 billion, the amount Microsoft pledged last November for its R&D activities in China for a three-year period ending at 2011.