Microsoft Corp. will invest US$60 million in South Korea over the next three years in a bid to nurture innovation in South Korea, the head of the U.S. software giant said Thursday.
"Microsoft is very committed to really helping more growth in the market...more entrepreneurial activity and more thoughtful start-ups," Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, told participants at Seoul Digital Forum 2006 being held in the South Korean capital.
"We are going to focus on working to help develop 60 companies in home-network software, digital contents, embedded mobile software, telematics and RFID, all important areas, because we think more successful companies there are in Korea," Ballmer said.
RFID stands for radio frequency identification, a type of automatic identification system.
He added that among the 60 companies, five will be nurtured into global software makers over the period.
"The future of Korean IT industry is built on intellectual property created by local companies. Microsoft is committed to fostering that innovation by nurturing software companies that can help Korea realize its U-Korea vision," he noted.
In a related move, Ballmer agreed earlier in the day to boost cooperation with Samsung Corp., the trading arm of Samsung Group, the nation's largest conglomerate, in the field of home automation and other digital technologies.
On the outlook for South Korea's IT industry, Ballmer said he is "optimistic," citing elements that he believed are needed for the success such as globally leading companies, prestigious universities and willingness to invest.
Regarding his company's new Windows Vista operating system, he predicted its launch will be "on track" in January next year, dismissing concerns over a possible delay due to technical problems.
Asked about Microsoft's future business takeover plans, Ballmer said the firm has made 22 acquisitions in the past year and the pace will continue to rise.
Ballmer arrived in Seoul on Wednesday to attend the two-day international digital forum and have discussions with other experts on development of the IT sector. Seoul, May 25 (Yonhap)
Microsoft to invest US$60 mln on innovation in S. Korea |
