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Microsoft in infrastructure deal with Rajasthan

Microsoft Corporation India Private Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rajasthan.

This strategic partnership will focus on the computerisation of organisations in the state, while developing a pool of skilled technical resource to build a solid technology infrastructure for Rajasthan.

T O D A Y

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The agreement was signed by Rajiv Nair, president, on behalf of Microsoft Corporation India and by Rohit Kumar Singh, managing director, Rajcomp, on behalf of the state of Rajasthan.

The agreement was signed in the presence of the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Minister of State for Information Technology D S Shekhawat.

Commenting on the partnership with Microsoft, the chief minister said "A solid technology infrastructure can play a significant role in helping our government to deliver a comprehensive set of services to our people, support business growth and attract outside investment. Microsoft has extensively researched how governments are deploying information technology to enable better governance. Through this partnership we want to improve efficiencies in our government organisations and collaboratively work with Microsoft to bring Rajasthan into the 21st century."

"Governments around the world are struggling with fundamental changes in the way they function. Our goal is to share what we've learnt about how they are using information technology to improve the way people live, learn and work. At Microsoft, we believe that governments can exploit information technology to help make citizens more productive and improve their lifestyles. A technology infrastructure is a serious investment and commitment, and we applaud the Rajasthan government for their foresight in taking this initiative now," said Rajiv Nair at the signing of the agreement.

As part of this relationship, Rajcomp and Microsoft will actively work towards leveraging mutual strengths for the benefit of the state of Rajasthan.

As Microsoft's strategic Technology Partner, Rajcomp will actively consult, develop and execute systems integration projects on Microsoft technologies where appropriate.

As a technology partner, Microsoft will provide Rajcomp with training and skill transfer to develop expertise in providing consultancy, develop custom applications and help the computerisation of all organisations within Rajasthan.

In addition, a Microsoft Centre of Excellence will be set up for showcasing and benchmarking Microsoft technologies.

Rajcomp and Microsoft plan to work collaboratively towards establishing a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centre in Jaipur.

This centre will be used to develop skills on Microsoft technology for the emerging software industry in the state and will create a pool of qualified manpower to carry out software development for government automation projects.

Also part of the education initiative is the Microsoft Valuable Project Initiative. MVPI for engineering colleges in the state will be planned and executed jointly by Rajcomp and Microsoft, where final year students will be exposed to the latest technologies and build projects that will be implemented in real-life situations.

Additionally, Rajcomp and Microsoft will work together to achieve Rajasthan's goal of becoming a piracy-free state in the next few years. Ensuring the use of genuine software throughout the state.

Rajasthan will benefit from additional revenues to the exchequer, while giving a boost to the software industry, especially to the local developer community.

Finally, Microsoft and the state's education department will design and develop IT curriculum for school and college students, making specialised courses more vocationally oriented.

Microsoft plans to work closely with the government in implementing pilot projects in this field.

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