The American software company Microsoft is embracing Norwegian internet search technology. At the beginning of January, the company bought Fast Search and Transfer (FAST).

John Markus Lervik, CEO and founder of FAST.Photo: Fast Search and Transfer

18/01/2008 :: “FAST is a world leader in business search solutions based on the best business search technology, and we are world leaders in the field of productivity-enhancing software. We are convinced that the combination of our strengths will give our business clients a competitive advantage,” says Microsoft Norway’s Head of Communications, Eirik Lae-Solberg, to the Norwegian online newspaper digi.no.

“This acquisition gives FAST an exciting way to spread our cutting-edge search technologies and innovations to more and more organizations across the world,” says John Markus Lervik, CEO and founder of FAST, in a press release.

FAST develops search technology for businesses, databases and the internet. The company was established in Trondheim in 1997, and today has 500 employees spread all over the world. Microsoft has paid NOK 19 per share, giving the company a value of NOK 6.6 billion.

Norwegian companies are at the forefront of internet technology, and particularly the development of multi-functional web- and intranet sites, fast web browsers, online games and e-business solutions.

As of 18 February 2008 the Norwegian Embassy requires that all fees in connection with visa applications (Schengen visa, family reunification, work permit, permit to study etc.) have to be paid through Kasikorn Bank, Sukhumvit 33 (Bangkapi Branch). In case the bank is closed due to banking holidays, and the Embassy is open to receive applications, it will still be possible to pay the fee by cash as previously, but only on banking holidays.

The applicant will get a deposit slip (see scanned copy) by the staff member who is doing the preliminary screening of the documents in the waiting room. After the screening has been performed, and the applicant has been told that all the required documents are present, the applicant has to go down to Kasikorn Bank on the ground floor in order to pay the fee. The applicant has to fill in the name of the payee on the deposit slip. The Embassy has already filled out the amount of the fee. The applicant has to return back to the Embassy on the 18th floor on the same day to submit the application immediately after the fee has been paid in Kasikorn Bank. It will not be possible to pay through any other bank, or any other branch of Kasikorn Bank, and the payment has to be done with the deposit slip given by the embassy staff.