MS may seek tie-ups in cloud computing

By Kim Yoo-chul

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer arrived in Seoul on Monday night for the first time in two years. During his one-day visit, the chief executive is expected to inspect operations here and meet with key clients, including LG Electronics.

Unlike his previous visit in 2009 when Ballmer met with counterparts from Samsung Electronics, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and state-run broadcasting company EBS for business tie-ups, Ballmer will make a brief stopover and is likely to beef-up partnerships, seeking opportunities in the cloud computing sector.

``Ballmer’s visit is part of a regular trip to Asia. He will fly to China today after delivering a keynote speech to a local technology forum, visiting the American Chamber of Commerce and meeting senior executives of Microsoft’s local clients,’’ an MS official said Monday.

``Ballmer’s visit will be brief. Because he didn’t come here with specific purposes, there’s nothing for him to comment on.’’

Industry officials here said the Microsoft CEO wants to reap benefits from partnerships with major Korean technology firms in cloud computing rather than pushing them to sell mobile Windows 8 adapted smartphones.

The officials added that because the MS mobile platform has already narrowly eclipsed the iPhone’s market share in China, Ballmer’s sights could turn to cloud systems.

``Ballmer is interested in strengthening partnerships with LG and Samsung in cloud computing systems. In Korea, he wants to renew and expand partnerships with them to cloud computing for use in Web-connected televisions,’’ said one Samsung executive, asking not to be identified.

LG officials also said Ballmer’s meetings will be focused on cloud computing not just Windows 8 tablets, ultra-books and other devices.

Despite his tight schedule, it’s expected Ballmer will have a top-level meeting with LG Electronics in order to mend souring ties with the company after LG’s official declaration to go ``all-in’’ for Google’s Android software.

``Let’s see what happens. One thing that’s clear is LG won’t scrap MS from our client list. Windows systems have some advantages and that’s why LG is paying royalties annually in return for MS software-related patents,’’ said a senior LG executive.

But it’ Ballmer will not meet with top Samsung executives as Chief Executive Choi Gee-sung and mobile division chief Shin Jong-kyun are in San Francisco to try and resolve a legal dispute with Apple CEO Tim Cook.