The Microsoft Institute in Madrid, while not actually owned by Microsoft Corp, is keen to work more closely with the company on large accounts in a ‘shoot to kill’ policy. Microsoft asked computer distributor, Keydata SA to set up the Institute four years ago. Keydata was also experienced in running training courses. The aim was to provide users with information on Microsoft Corp products and to run graduate and Masters courses in Microsoft technology. The graduate courses are targeted at students in their first years at university, and the Masters at post-graduates or professionals with experience. Standard courses are provided for companies or individuals that want training. When consultancy Sena BPA bought shares in Keydata last September, it made Jacobo Garcia Duran managing director of the Institute. He intends to introduce new Masters courses, including one in communication networks; improve publicity for and the quality of current courses; and impose tighter controls on internal management. The Institute shares the philosophy and aims of the Microsoft University in Seattle and a lot of its work involves adapting English language information for educational purposes in Spain. Customers include government, private companies, universities and colleges. Duran reckons that the Institute adds value to Microsoft’s business because it receives its products first and understands its philosophy and strategy best.
