Microsoft seeks Taiwan partnership on new products via MTC

Microsoft will seek Taiwanese strategic partners and work with them on its latest products, including Round Table teleconferencing system and Surface computer through Microsoft Technology Center (MTC) in Taiwan, according to a MTC executive.

Jason Ma, general manager of the MTC, pointed out that the center hopes to contract more Taiwanese manufacturers to make components including touch panels, wireless modules, and optical devices for Surface. He noted that Surface, Microsoft's first tabletop computer relying on touch and hand gestures to operate, has adopted several Taiwan-made parts.

Microsoft will demonstrate Surface in Taiwan later next quarter.

Many Taiwanese wireless-module makers including Asustek Computer, Hon Hai Precision Industry, Universal Scientific Industries, and GemTek Technology have been major strategic partner of Microsoft in manufacturing of products based on Wintel structure, a format spearheaded by Windows and Intel. Microsoft will likely add Surface to the list and Wintek Corp., Innolux Display Corp., and AU Optronics Corp. will likely become suppliers of touch screens for Surface.

The MTC is also promoting Microsoft Silverlight 2.0 web browser. Ma pointed out that China Airlines, Taiwan's flag carrier, and Polaris Financial Group have adopted the browser to promote their services.

Microsoft is developing next-generation operating system codenamed Windows 7. Ma said the MTC will help develop other applications for Windows Vista Side Show software, which allows users to check e-mails and to-do list when PCs are turned off.

Ma said Microsoft had developed cloud computing, a new label for the subset of grid computing that includes utility computing and other approaches to the use of shared computing resources, for many years and is helping Chunghwa Telecom develop VoIP system.

source & copyright: CENS