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Microsoft Announces Launch of IT Promotion Project II in Japan

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 November 2003, 06:00 CST

Tokyo, Nov. 19 (Jiji Press)--Microsoft Co., the Japanese unit of U.S. computer software giant Microsoft Corp., Wednesday announced a plan to launch in late November the second phase of its nationwide initiative of promoting information technologies.

Microsoft's "IT Promotion Project I," introduced in October 2001, focused on the establishment of IT infrastructure nationwide.

The launch of "IT Promotion Project II" underlines the shift of focus to the adoption of ITs, particularly in local governments, small and medium-size companies and educational institutions, Yasutoshi Magara, manager of Microsoft Co., said in a press conference here.

Steve Ballmer, visiting chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp., pointed out at the same press conference that Japan's personal computer market is still small relative to its population, citing Japan's "under-computerization" in some sectors.

The second stage of Microsoft's IT initiative, which came in line with the Japanese government's "e-Japan II" strategy, is "really targeted at promoting IT broadly throughout the country," Ballmer said.

Under "IT Promotion Project II," Microsoft Co. will introduce a "Microsoft Certified System Coordinator" system, where the company plans to grant its original certificates to those who it authorizes as special system coordinators.

Microsoft is also planning to create a database of successful cases of IT introductions at small and medium-size enterprises, and to offer, in cooperation with companies like major leasing firm Orix Corp., financing services to such companies that seek to introduce IT but facing funding difficulties.

The company will also strengthen its IT promotion programs at schools and other educational institutions. Under its "Broadband School" project, it is currently conducting experimental lessons using PCs that support wireless local area network connections at two elementary schools in the western Japan city of Okayama.

Okayama City Mayor Seiji Hagiwara said at the same press conference, "The fact that students can get the same resource as those in Tokyo help a lot become more confident about themselves."END

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