MICROSOFT INNOVATION CENTER

Innovation and collaboration have long been hallmarks of the commercial software ecosystem, a $1 trillion marketplace that is a driving force in local software industries and the global knowledge economy. Microsoft has supported these thriving ecosystems through ongoing investments in a robust and affordable computing platform built around interoperability, partnerships and enhancing local capabilities. On a global level and in communities worldwide, a network of 625,000 software, hardware an... d computer services firms create jobs, generate tax revenue, and spawn new innovations that stimulate economic growth throughout the economy. To further fuel innovation and the development of strong, self-sustaining local software industries, Microsoft is partnering with local governments, academic institutions, industry organizations and software and hardware vendors to expand its network of Microsoft Innovation Centers (MIC). Today these centers serve over 80 communities worldwide. Microsoft and partners in each community work together to operate the MICs, which are centers open to students, professional software developers, IT professionals, entrepreneurs and academic researchers. While each Center tunes its programs to local needs, they all provide similar content and services designed to accelerate technology advances and stimulate local software economies through skills and professional training, industry partnerships and innovation.