Microsoft, Hitachi announce joint venture in Fargo

[December 06, 2011]  FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. is joining forces with Hitachi Consulting to help develop new software for Microsoft's business group in Fargo.

The agreement announced Monday would establish a technical development center in Fargo. Plans call for the business to start out at the Microsoft campus and eventually move into a new facility.

Hitachi Consulting spokesman Mike Gillis expects the new venture to employ about 20 people in the first six months, but says it has potential to hire more than 1,500 people.

Hitachi Consulting is a global management consulting and technology services company with operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

About 1,700 people work for Microsoft's Fargo operation.

[Associated Press]

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