Microsoft Corp. will play a key role in creating a ubiquitous computing environment for future citizens and businesses of Songdo International Business District (IBD). The city of the future is currently under construction in Incheon just 40 miles southwest of Seoul, South Korea. Songdo will be the first “new” city in the world designed and planned as an international business district. Microsoft has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gale International, the developer responsible for the $35 billion (U.S.) project, to collaborate to deliver technology and infrastructure and create a cutting-edge, digitally connected and environmentally sustainable city for the benefit of citizens, businesses and government.

Microsoft, Gale International and the Korean government are working to identify the technological requirements of this state-of-the-art project. Plans include providing a common interface to connecting to government services via Windows Mobile and the Microsoft Citizen Service Platform, as well as the implementation of technologies that empower this LEED-Neighborhood Development certified city and the use of tools such as the upcoming Microsoft Surface combined with Virtual Earth to provide greater access via kiosks to information on the city as an international gateway to residents and visitors.