Microsoft to showcase products in 500 retail centres

Microsoft today introduced the Windows Media Centre 2005, digital music devices and smart phones as part of its strategy to tap the growing consumer segment in India. The company has also drawn a retail strategy wherein it will partner with over 500 retail centres in the country.

The products will be showcased at retail centres in eight cities across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad.

"The products unveiled today are aimed primarily at the urban consumers and the company's strategy is to allow the consumers to have a feel of what they are buying so as to provide a good buying experience," said Microsoft India Managing Director Neelam Dhawan. Microsoft has also drawn up plans to reach home users in 32 more cities by June 2006.

"Microsoft will invest in the infrastructure required for showcasing the products and also provide its retail partners with marketing support," Ranjivjit Singh, the company's group director, consumer business, said.