SURAT: Microsoft Corp has selected Surat to develop it as India's first 'smart city' under the company's CityNext initiative launched last year.

Under the 'Smart City' initiative, Microsoft aims use a combination of cloud technology, mobile applications, data analytics and social networks to provide real-time data of all civic services. Systems will also be developed to tackle natural disasters more effectively with the use of information technology.

"For example, if any person wants to know the location of a doctor in the city, they can easily get it on their mobile with the apps that will be developed by Microsoft," deputy commissioner, SMC, C Y Bhatt said.

The project is likely to start by end of May. Besides, Microsoft Corp will help SMC develop a virtual world at Science Centre of the city that will have a virtual wall.