Ranchi, Oct. 10: The state government has decided to enter into a partnership with Microsoft. The information technology department will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US-based computer giant.

The proposed MoU has also raised hopes of Microsoft chief Bill Gates visiting Ranchi during his trip to India in November end. Gates?s visit could prove beneficial to the state as the Microsoft chief is known to encourage and sponsor IT-related infrastructure wherever he goes. Apart from software technology, which Microsoft designs and sells, the computer magnate is known for donating whatever is demanded from him.

The partnership, which will benefit both the parties, envisages Microsoft establishing a centre of excellence in Jharkhand besides helping the state government in its e-governance applications. In return, the government will purchase Microsoft technology for its e-governance programme, information technology secretary R.S. Sharma said.

The MoU will be signed ?pretty soon,? Sharma said. There are huge opportunities of implementing e-governance in the state. ?The government is fully committed to harnessing these opportunities and we are going ahead in a systematic manner to cover diverse areas of e-governance in a time-bound manner,? he added.

Microsoft will provide free consultancy and develop system requirement specifications, which will be used for several e-governance applications. Besides the government will have the permission to work on Microsoft platforms. The company will also open a centre of excellence in the state, a training centre.

The government will provide the infrastructure, but Microsoft will impart training to government employees. The centre of excellence will also work as a certification centre. Jharkhand students can appear for tests to get certified by Microsoft.

The information technology department has launched a pilot project for e-governance in four public utility government offices of the capital ? the employment exchange, registration office, Ranchi Municipal Corporation and the district consumer forum.

Jharkhand government has also signed an MoU with CMC to develop software for the chief minister?s information system that will help online management and track all important schemes pending at the state and district headquarters.

Sources in the Microsoft India office said an early agreement would have ensured Gates?s visit to Ranchi. ?Gates will visit Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Chhattisgarh and we will try to arrange for a stopover at Ranchi while he is on his way back from Chhattisgarh, even if it is for a few hours,? sources said.