Global vendor strategies - 05/04/07

ALU plans to launch a new IP Transformation Center in Singapore, to bolster its network of IPTCs worldwide (Belgium, and two in the USA).

Cisco has formed a Russian venture capital fund to invest in start-ups and local investment funds in Russia. Its first investment is in Ozon, an e-commerce web shop.

Huawei has invested about $500m in a new plant in Dongguan, in Guangdong province, China.

ZTE plans another manufacturing plant in India.

Thales has been cleared by the EU Commission for the acquisition of Alcatel SA's satellite and security operations.