Microsoft Investing $1.7 Billion in 4 years; Recruiting 3000 Professionals in India

Microsoft plans to make India a hub for research, product and applications development. It announced plans for investing $1.7 billion over the next four years, and increasing local headcount by 3,000 to 7,000-level.

The investment will be in line with the growing importance of India’s role in the global economy, as well as its emerging significance within Microsoft.

Half of the proposed $1.7-billion investment will be used for expanding existing research, product applications and technical support facilities, namely, Microsoft Research India, Microsoft India Development Centre, Microsoft Global Technical Support Centre, Microsoft Global Development Center India and the Microsoft Global Services India. In addition, Bangalore will play host to a world-class Innovation Centre in January 2006.

To strengthen the software major’s market penetration in India, plans are afoot for setting up offices in 33 cities and putting in place over 700 retail outlets.

I don’t feel too comfortable knowing Microsoft’s reputation for very aggresive business practices. India may not be ready for large scale Microsoft invasion yet.

Microsoft is also increasing its strength from 4000 to 7000 in three to four years.