Beijing technology entrepreneurs and software firms should shut their doors and turn off the lights, as Microsoft China might be aiming at hiring away some top young talent.

With the launch of a campus recruitment activity in Peking University, Microsoft China has started its newest recruitment round for the 2012 fiscal year and the company plans to hire 800 new employees, of which nearly half will be university graduates.

Most of the newly recruited employees will be reportedly engaged in the research and development work in Microsoft's Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group. They will work closely with the cutting-edge developments in the Internet service and cloud computing industries.

Zhang Yaqin, senior vice president for Microsoft Worldwide and chairman for Microsoft Asia-Pacific Research and Development Group, told local media at the recruitment venue that in the rapidly changing information age, a researcher will face unprecedented challenges and excitement. In this marathon of innovations, Microsoft will provide young people who join the company the opportunities to release their energy and realize their dreams.

During the recruitment, Microsoft also displayed its massive data mining and visualization services based on cloud computing, which can provide a basis and tool for the decision-making of enterprises and government. In addition, the company introduced various advanced technologies and products to students, including Avatar Kinect, Windows Phone 7, smart somatosensory control, and intelligent medical software. The company shared its three strategic layouts covering cloud computing, mobile terminals, and social-friendly networks.

Starting from October 2011, Microsoft will implement campus recruitment in 11 Chinese cities and regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Hong Kong, Hefei, Guangzhong, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Harbin. From October to December 2011, the written tests and interviews will be completed.