Microsoft to expand R&D center in Russia

Microsoft says it will expand its research and development center at Russia's Skolkovo Innovation Center, often referred to as the country's "Silicon Valley." Microsoft launched the center, focused on developing software solutions for medium- and large-scale businesses, last May. The expansion of the R&D center at the innovation complex in Moscow will also allow it to develop cross-platform solutions for smartphones and tablet computers, RIA Novosti reported Tuesday. The expanded cooperation with Skolkovo will reveal "the enormous potential of Russian developers in creating world-class software products," Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer said in a company release. Microsoft said it would double its Moscow-based workforce by 2015 from its current 70. Skolkovo has a number of international partners besides Microsoft, including Cisco and Nokia among others, RIA Novosti reported.