Microsoft Corporation on Wednesday said it will launch Windows 2008 on Thursday in 800 cities across the globe and 20 cities in India.

''Microsoft has invested almost $ 150 million in the marketing initiatives to make it possible on a single day. This is a major event in the history of the company as such an event has never before taken place,'' Microsoft Learning, General Manager, Christopher Pirie told UNI.

The company has already rolled out one million copies in the market and 300,000 people have been trained on Windows 2008.

Microsoft has also granted 13,000 certifications on the same.

The company, which has been in news for its bid to buy Yahoo Inc, is partnering with 23 Indian companies to offer its expertise in technology and content.