The Hindu Business Line : Microsoft CEO visits Reliance `Fresh'

The Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation, Mr Steve Ballmer, now on an India tour, took some time out of his busy schedule to visit Reliance Industries' recently launched `Fresh' outlet in Banjara Hills, here on Friday.

The main purpose of his visit, however, was to meet the large contingent of Microsoft professionals at the Microsoft India Development Centre. He complimented the developers who contributed to the yet-to-be-launched and much-awaited Windows Vista Operating System.

The CEO was given a presentation of prototypes of locally relevant technologies such as language interfaces. He also met the Wipro Chief, Mr Azim Premji.

His visit to the RIL retail facility offering vegetables, fruits, grocery etc. was to get a first hand impression. Mr Ballmer spent about half-an-hour studying the procurement process of the goods and supply chain related issues.

According to sources, the Microsoft Chief saw a huge market unfolding in India through the large format retail stores, where they can play a role in technology frameworks and delivery of services through their partners.

While some of the large industrial houses such as Reliance, the Bharti group and the Aditya Birla group are close to rolling out big plans, global majors such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, CarreFour are awaiting the opening up of the retail sector to make inroads into India, which is being perceived as a largely untapped market.