A technology initiative is set to change the E of Essex into e for electronics.

The Essex Commerce Centre, based in Writtle Road, Chelmsford, has been offered a multi-faceted package from Microsoft - the largest computer company in the world.

Centre manager Richard Kneller said a couple of years ago Microsoft had gone into a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and other companies to set up 100 e-commerce centres around the country of which Essex was one.

Mr Kneller said: "We asked Microsoft to help businesses in Essex directly and they said fine.

"It is a terrific boost. We are a Microsoft pilot site and if it works, it could spread all over the country."

Microsoft has agreed to sponsor the centre supplying all its existing software and Beta software which is in test form, will sponsor events and has offered a marketing strategy.

The sponsorship deal has started and the centre is already open for clients and with staff visiting businesses. Demonstrations are also available.

"We are dealing with all forms of modern technology and want to get as many people using it as possible," said Mr Kneller.

"It is very exciting. It is nice for Essex to be first especially due to technology. We want to change the E of Essex into E for Electronics," he added.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.