Microsoft is coming to town

09 Jul 2007

Caught the announcement on CBC last week regarding Microsoft’s intention to start a development centre in nearby Vancouver, BC.

www.cbc.ca/cp/technology/070705/z070502A.html

It’s funny that they mention troubles with US immigration as being a motivating factor for opening shop this side of the border. I don’t doubt it, but when I was dealing with Amazon.com last year, they seemed to indicate that it wouldn’t have been a problem to get me a TN (and later a H-1B) visa should I want to work south of the border.

If MS wanted to extend their reach a little further, they’d consider situating the centre downtown with easy access to float planes. I’m sure there are more than a few talented individuals on the island who wouldn’t mind a slight commute.

I’m curious as to what technologies and product’s they plan on shifting resources up here for, or if the focus will be more R&D.

What’s the likelihood of this being just the start of a trend for larger software shops to setup more substantial operations north of the border?