US computer giant IBM has announced the launch of a software lab in India to support its customers around the world.
The laboratory, based in India's high-tech capital Bangalore and in the western city of Pune, will initially employ about 500 people, IBM said in a statement.
Software programmers at the lab, IBM's fourth research and development facility in India, will develop technology related to e-business infrastructure, e-marketplaces and mobile computing, it said.
It said the India lab will play an important role in IBM's global Linux initiative. "The lab will enhance Linux features, working in conjuction with IBM's worldwide Linux Technology Centre," it said.
IBM has recently begun to back Linux - the popular alternative operating software system which is freely available to programmers.
IBM has a personal computer manufacturing facility, software development centres and research and development centres in India.
