An information technology development and experiment center has been jointly established in Shanghai by a group of Chinese and overseas investors as part of an effort to turn this city into an international information center.

The Shanghai Information Technology Development and Experiment Center was co-funded by the Shanghai Municipal Information Technology Office, Microsoft, Compaq, IBM, Intel, and several other leading computer companies.

The center consists of seven laboratories, including an Internet technology laboratory and a network safety laboratory.

The center is open to the public and will focus on research, development, testing and evaluation of information technology.