Microsoft Corp, the world's top manufacturer of software for personal and business computing, plans to invest more on R&D strength in China despite the weary economic situation worldwide, sources reported, citing Zhang Yaqin, Microsoft's corporate vice president and chairman of Microsoft China, as saying.

Microsoft also mulls outsourcing more business to China though the company will strengthen cost controls globally amid the ailing macro-economic environment, said Zhang, adding that Microsoft's R&D and outsourcing budget for China will both grow in double digits in 2008.

Previously, Microsoft announced it would invest US$100 million annually on R&D segment in China from 2006. Early this year, the company said it would outsource a total of US$100 million in business to China over the following five years.

In 2006, the U.S. software giant had 500 people in its R&D team and currently the figure rose to 3,000. Zhang noted Microsoft needs more talents in the search, service and mobile platforms.

Zhang disclosed that Microsoft will launch a flexible price strategy in Chinese market and provide more products with affordable prices to local customers. However, he did not provide further details on the plan.

Source:China Knowledge