Microsoft to spread its wings in Telangana

HYDERABAD: Microsoft India is planning to expand its operations in Hyderabad and parts of Telangana in the coming days. This was revealed by Microsoft India chairman Bhaskar Pramanik, who met Chief Minister KCR at Secretariat on Monday. "Bhaskar Pramanik announced that the Microsoft is planning to further expand its operations in Telangana," official sources in the Chief Minister's Office said.

Pramanik also reportedly shared with KCR the details of the upcoming visit of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, a Hyderabadi professional settled in the USA, to the city.

According to sources, Pramanik expressed his interest in collaborating with the government on incubator, Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) and Hy-Fi. Detailed discussions between the government and Microsoft on areas for collaboration will be held on August 6, 2014.

Microsoft India (R&D) Private Limited, a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, set up Microsoft India Development Center (MSIDC) at Hyderabad in 1998. It is the second biggest R&D centres of Microsoft Corporation outside its headquarters in Redmond, USA.

Pramanik also reportedly disclosed to the Chief Minister about the arrival of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, a Hyderabad-based professional settled in the USA, to the city early next month.

Nadella would have a meeting with KCR to discuss the expansion plans of the Microsoft in Hyderabad. The Chief Minister said the Telangana government would accord a rousing reception to Nadella and would give him a grandiose civic reception. Sources said Nadella's visit would promote the brand image of Hyderabad and would be a big boost to the IT sector in Hyderabad.

Though Nadella hails from Anantapur, the Telangana government would take advantage of his studies at the Hyderabad Public School (HPS), Begumpet, where his alumni is planning a grand reception for him.

It may be mentioned that immediately after Nadella became the CEO of Microsoft in February, former IT minister Ponnala Laxmaiah extended an official invitation to him to visit the State.

However, the visit did not take place due to political uncertainty in the State. Sources said Nadella is also expected to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his visit to Hyderabad.

Naidu will request the Microsoft CEO to expand its activities in AP also. The AP Chief Minister also extended an invitation to Nadella recently.