Microsoft Corporation is ready to support the creation of an IT cluster in Sverdlovsk Region, IT & Communications Minister Irina Bogdanovitch announced at a a press briefing in Yekaterinburg.

‘We met Microsoft representatives today to speak about a number of issues. First of all, we talked about the IT cluster development and looked into the possible ways of supporting this project. This could be some financial aid offered to the startups, or software support,’ Ms Bogdanovitch said.

‘The second point under discussion was our cooperation within the framework of the Accessible Information program. This is a series of computer literacy training courses. Finally, we considered signing an agreement between Sverdlovsk Region Government and Microsoft Corporation. The agreement will probably be signed soon,’ the minister noted.

Now Microsoft’s President for Russia Nikolai Pryanishnikov says the company fully understands the needs of small businesses and the challenges these enterprises are faced with.

‘Microsoft will help startups enter both the national and the international markets; we have plenty of experience in this field,’ he explained.