Chennai: In a pioneering initiative, the Microsoft Corporation has set up a .NET Centre of Excellence at the Anna University in Chennai, the first of its kind at an academic institution by the US corporation, to train students in XML web services, the next generation of computing.

The centre, set up as part of an memorandum of understanding entered into by Microsoft and the varsity earlier this year, will cater to the 240 affiliated colleges, equipping students with the latest tools, technologies and infrastructure to create and deploy XML web services.

In addition, Microsoft will support the varsity in development of curriculum, software management, faculty development and student technology support programmes.

Speaking at the opening of the Centre on August 14, S Somasegar, corporate vice- president, Windows engineering solutions and services group, Microsoft Corporation, said, "Our strength lies in focussing on building a solid foundation, which can then be added to any emerging field like XML web services."

He said Microsoft had earmarked at least $ 10 million for the next three years under its two-year-old University Relations Programmes in India by way of hardware and research grants, student project grants and curriculum development grants. Microsoft has invested in a total of 13 Indian varsities under the programme so far.

Dr E Balagurusamy, Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, was also present on the occasion.

PTI