Inside Microsoft's Reading technology centre

Enterprises choosing a vendor with which to invest millions need to know the technology is reliable, represents value for money and will make the business work more effectively.

As one of the vendors with which businesses are likely to invest significant sums, Microsoft has a network of technology centres (MTCs) around the world where organisations can go to discuss IT needs, test the technology in question and then develop it further with Microsoft's help.

The company has two technology centres in the UK — in Edinburgh and at its UK HQ in Reading, shown above. ZDNet UK's sister site silicon.com recently paid a visit to the Reading MTC to get a customer's view of Microsoft's process for helping with major buying decisions.