YEREVAN, 26 MAY, ARMENPRESS. Microsoft will open a new cloud and mobile technologies center that will become one of the top 10 centers in the world. The agreements on the creation of a regional center and cooperation were signed during a ceremony held at the Government of the Republic of Armenia. After the signing ceremony, President of Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe Don Grantham answered questions regarding the creation of the center and the cooperation with Armenia. “Armenpress” presents the interview.

“Armenpress”: Having a representation in Armenia for the past nine years, Microsoft is expanding its scope of programs. Can you provide details of the cooperation and how it will benefit each party?

Don Grantham: In accordance with Microsoft’s new strategy, the company encourages organizations and individuals to achieve more by providing them with the corresponding technological tools.

We support local entrepreneurs and expand partnership with the community of programmers through our innovation centers and our global BizSpark program. 

To this day, we have provided support to over 16,000 European startups and more than 10,000 in the whole world.

Currently, Armenia is a center for technology with great potential in the market. We view Armenia as a real partner and encourage the application of technologies as a catalyst for development. We are also ready to collaborate with the government in sectors such as education, the protection of intellectual property right and the introduction of safe and effective solutions.

“Armenpress” What role will the new cloud and mobile technologies center play in Armenia? Which are the future programs? What kind of impact will it have on Armenia’s competitiveness in the global market?

Don Grantham: The Center will be a part of the Microsoft Innovation Center and will help startups that will draft solutions based on our cloud and mobile platforms. As we have done in the past, we'll use our contacts and experience to help Armenian companies develop better products, become engaged in funding and better present their products in the global market.

“Armenpress”: The signing of the first agreement on licensing with the government is a serious step towards the improvement of the protection of intellectual property right in Armenia. Besides having a positive impact on the country’s image, what long-term and short-term outcomes does Microsoft expect?

Don Grantham: The cost of damages of cyber crimes to the global economy makes up $500 billion dollars a year. More than 1 million people become victims of cyber crimes every day. Microsoft is trying to protect the intellectual property right and keep consumers away from downloading or purchasing unlicensed software that may contain viruses. We help protect our consumers from illegal software by collaborating with governments, law-enforcement authorities and law-defense organizations in order to reduce the risks of illegal software.

“Armenpress”: Having a new CEO of the board, Microsoft is being presented as the leader in the world of cloud and mobile technologies. How are you different from the rest? What is Microsoft’s vision and strategy that keeps the company one step ahead of its competitors?

Don Grantham: At Microsoft, we always care about our consumers. Our mission is to encourage people and businesses to achieve more. We’re all living in a world of cloud and mobile technologies where time is the most precious asset. Taking this reality into consideration, Microsoft offers the most inclusive and the productive and cloud solutions that provide citizens, businesses and organizations with the opportunity to fully realize their potential.

As to how we are different from the rest, I can clearly say that we provide consumer-oriented solutions that help people do more anytime and anywhere, regardless of the device that they are using. As you know, Microsoft is the first company to provide cloud services, and its trade agreements comply with the strict standards set by the EU data protection authority that are known as model provisions. We always seek and get ratification from an independent body and we meet all the requirements by making clear pledges defined by the agreement.