Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates Upbeat about Indian IT Companies

Even in the tough economic conditions, Microsoft (MSFT) chairman Bill Gates said in a seminar at IIT Delhi that Indian IT companies will be affected by the worldwide economic slowdown, but will still do well because of the good reputation of the industry in India.

“IT companies in India are great partners of Microsoft. They are investing in the long term and they have a pretty incredible reputation. They are always considered whenever a global project comes up,” he said.

Gates is in India as a representative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, specifically focusing on anti-polio efforts, along with other health issues.

MSD Pharmaceuticals Hiring 1,500 People in India Over Next 2 Years

Merck & Co. (MRK) subsidiary MSD Pharmaceuticals says it'll be expanding its workforce in India by 1,500 people over the next two years, specifically targeting sales and marketing positions.

“We will be doubling our staff strength in India in next two years as part of our plans to consolidate our marketing network in the country which will further help us achieve our aim of listing among first five pharma companies by 2015,'' MSD Pharmaceuti cals Managing Director, Mr Naveen A Rao said.

Rao added that there will soon be vaccines for rotavirus, hepatitis-A, and Chickenpox available soon from the company. Longer term goals are to focus on providing better medicine for asthma, dyspledemia and heart-related diseases.

The company has a goal of introducing new medicine and vaccines into the Indian market every 6 months.

MSD Pharmaceuticals wants to be a major player in India by 2015. They currently employ about 700 people.