It said in a statement that Wipro Technologies-Global R&D (research and development), a unit of the Bangalore-based company, had been chosen in view of its in-depth experience.

"Microsoft and Wipro will collaborate to enhance the capabilities around Windows 2000, Windows CE and Internet applications, making Microsoft's operating system platforms the preferred choice for enterprise and embedded markets," the two companies said in the joint statement. Microsoft is scheduled to launch its ambitious Windows 2000, aimed at substantially grabbing a global market for servers that run computer networks, on February 17.

Windows CE is a platform that will help run wireless information appliances, an area seen as a major force in the coming years. Wipro is the largest publicly traded company in India. "This (partnership) marks the beginning of a significant strategic relationship with Microsoft," Vivek Paul, president and CEO of Wipro Technologies, said in the statement. S Somasegar, general manager of Microsoft Corp's Windows Services Group, said Wipro's quality-certified software development process and its expertise in systems software, the core platforms that run computer applications, will ensure high levels of flexibility and cost effectiveness.