Microsoft is gearing up to formally launch its search engine Bing in the Indian market. The Information Technology giant has announced plans to introduce its much-hyped Windows 7 phone in the domestic market, but the date of the formal launch has not been finalised yet.
Microsoft India (R&D) Managing Director Amit Chatterjee said Bing would be an altogether different experience of users. “It will not just be a search engine, but will be a decision making engine, promising different experience to users. It is sure to give a different digital experience to users,” he said.
In his maiden interaction with reporters after taking over as the Managing Director of the Microsoft's largest development centre outside the U.S., Mr. Chatterjee allayed apprehensions from a section of the industry that the company could not position its product effectively in the Indian market. Microsoft was always quick, but “we do not want to rush with things” as several factors including the user experience should be considered by bringing out the product.
Strategy
The company was, therefore, factoring several issues before formally announcing the date of launch of the much-hyped Windows 7 phone although it was ready with a broad strategy to make forays into the market. “The date has not yet been finalised, but the product is sure to hit the market later this year,” he said.
The response for the Windows 7 phone in the markets where it was launched was extremely positive. Nine of the ten users were reportedly recommending the product to others as the availability of applications was the key factor that differentiates the phone.
Applications
“There is an ecosystem for the applications which number about 7,000 in addition to a 20,000 strong developers' community,” he said.
Explaining about the ongoing efforts to bring out new applications, he said almost 100 applications were being added to the App Store on a daily basis with users downloading at least one application everyday, reflecting the levels of acceptance of the product.
The mobile applications team of the India Development Centre was contributing to the development of the Windows 7 phone.
A couple of devices capable of supporting the Windows 7 phone had already been launched and the company officials claim that the new product was not for the regular mass markets.
Head count
Replying to queries, he said the IDC, with a head count of 1,600, so far participated in 270 patents and the effort had been to ensure that the products developed here offered a game changing experience to the customers.
