Microsoft Opens Canada Excellence Center in Vancouver - Dispatch Weekly

Business

June 18, 2016 - Reading time: ~1 minute

In a move that will double Microsoft’s workforce in Vancouver, the software giant has opened up Canada Excellence Centre in the city at the corner of Georgia & Granville.

The Canada Excellence Centre is Vancouver has been pegged by Microsoft as a innovation, training and software development centre that occupies top two floors of 725 Granville. The centre is spread across two floors and more than three acres, and provides Microsoft employees with natural light throughout the work area. Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith said that the opening of the new centre will double the Windows 10 maker’s workforce in Vancouver, from 350 to 700.

In a statement Microsoft Canada said, “Inspired by the teams themselves, the open environment is organized into neighbourhoods. Teams enjoy a connected space with break out areas and clustered seating.”

The centre also has a “Garage” that will offer local start-ups, community innovators, and Microsoft teams, and to come together and experiment.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a tour of the Canada Excellence Centre in Vancouver on Friday and during the opening said that the opportunity to see the technologies developed by Microsoft in action, including tools to make the world more accessible for visually impaired people, is an absolute thrill.

“At Microsoft Vancouver, work becomes play. Three hubs provide casual spots to eat and talk. Table tennis, foosball and a games room offer downtime distractions. And, don’t forget the view. It’s 360 degrees and it’s pretty great.”

DW Staff

David Lintott is the Editor-in-Chief, leading our team of talented freelance journalists. He specializes in covering culture, sport, and society. Originally from the decaying seaside town of Eastbourne, he attributes his insightful world-weariness to his roots in this unique setting.

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