On September 15, 2014, the founding ceremony of Microsoft Asia-Pacific Technology Co., Ltd. was held in Zizhu National Hi-tech Zone. Following the commercial operation of Windows Azure public cloud service and Office 365 in Chin in early 2014, the company is another major innovative step of Microsoft in the cloud field.

Ma Jin, deputy director of Shanghai Committee of Economy and informatization, Zhao Zhuping, chief of Minhang District, Zhang Guokun, the deputy chief, Shen Wen, board chairman and general manager of Zizhu, Scott Guthrie, Microsoft global executive vice president, S. Somasegar, senior global vice president of Microsoft, Shen Yuanqing, CEO of Microsoft Asia-Pacific R&D Group and board chairman of Microsoft Asia-Pacific Technology Co., Ltd. and the representatives from cooperative companies in the field of finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, energy, transportation and other industries attended the ceremony. The representatives also conducted a discussion on the development trend of IT industry and the new opportunities for industry innovation in China brought about by IT development. After that, the participants visited Microsoft Asia-Pacific R&D Group, the cooperative partners, Microsoft Open Technology Co., Ltd.. They also appreciated the latest technologies, services and solutions in the field of cloud computing, big data, smart cities, internet of things and artificial intelligence of the start-ups of Microsoft Ventures Accelerator.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of American Microsoft, Microsoft Asia-Pacific Technology Co., Ltd. will focus on the R&D of cloud operation system, covering Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, SQL Server payment platform and development tools, etc. with the Chinese team of cloud computing and enterprise sectors as the core. In addition, the new company will also further promote the cooperation with local industries to serve local markets, promote personnel training to inject vigor to Microsoft cloud innovation throughout the world. With a registered capital of RMB 733 million, the company is another independent legal person enterprise following Microsoft Open Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., signaling Microsoft’s resolution to take root in China, serve China and create a win-win situation in China.

The settlement of anther Microsoft related company in Zizhu National Hi-tech Zone provides opportunities for the settlement of more Microsoft-related companies in Zizhu. This will be of great significance in fostering internet ecosystem, improving the innovative development environment, promoting economic development and upgrading the brand image of Zizhu National Hi-tech Zone.