Meeting the growing needs of Microsoft

摘要

This year is Microsoft's 20th Anniversary in Ireland and the launch of its latest project, a new R & D Centre at its European Product Development Centre in Sandyford, Co Dublin. In 1985 Microsoft set up its first operation outside the United States and established the European Operation Centre in Sandyford creating 100 jobs. At this time the Irish economy was very depressed with high unemployment leading to high emigration. The initial target was for the creation of 158 jobs over 5 years but by 1990 Microsoft was employing more than 300 people. Today Microsoft employs 1200 and continues to grow. The company's presence over this 20-year period has played a significant role in the growth of the Irish economy and has been a leading element in the development of our telecommunications infrastructure.