Microsoft establishes tech support hub in Romania

Microsoft, in conjunction with the government of Romania, yesterday announced plans to establish a new global technical support hub in Bucharest. The centre will provide technical service and support for Microsoft”s customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2007, at which time support technicians will begin responding to customer enquiries. It is the most recent example of collaboration between Microsoft and governments in Central and Eastern Europe to create more knowledge-based jobs, accelerate economic growth, and support competitiveness in the region. The new centre will complement existing Microsoft technical support centres throughout Europe and will be staffed by technical talent recruited throughout Romania and Eastern Europe, which could include staff who have gained experience at Microsoft offices in other parts of the world. Importantly, many of these technicians will be able to apply their skills to the benefit of the local economy. The company anticipates that approximately 100 local support staff will be employed at the facility during its first year of operation and, depending on demand, expects further growth and investment in the years to follow. “The launch of Microsoft”s technology support centre is another welcome addition to the growing IT hub being established in Romania, as evidenced by the recent investment of various multinational IT companies,” said Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. “We are pleased to contribute to the growth of the IT industry in Romania, while also addressing our customers” needs,” said Guido Haring, General Manager, Microsoft EMEA Customer Service and Support. ZF