Microsoft unveils plan for three labs in Europe

From CNET News.com: Microsoft said Thursday that it would set up research centers in Britain, France, and Germany to improve its Internet search technology, describing the move as a vote of confidence in the European economy and in the company's ability to close the gap with Google.

The chief executive, Steve Ballmer, said at a news conference that the three "centers of excellence"--near Paris, in London, and in Munich--would employ several hundred people.

He declined to say how much the company would invest. But Microsoft, which has fought pitched battles with European regulators over its Windows operating system, said it was making a major financial commitment at a time when many companies were nervous about spending.

"Investing in anything at this time can be a tough sell," Ballmer said. "But when economic times are tough, we have to keep our faith in the promise that technology holds to transform the future."

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