IBM Chairman & CEO Samuel J. Palmisano opened <A HREF="http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/19848.wss">IBM's first development lab in Russia</A> as the company continues to increase its investment in high-growth countries. IBM will invest $40 million over the next three years in the Russian Systems & Technology Laboratory, which will employ up to 200 people by the end of 2008. The lab will focus on mainframe technology development and continues IBM's emphasis on utilizing skills and expertise around the globe, especially in high-growth countries such as Russia, Brazil, China and India. The lab is the fourth major development operation announced by IBM in recent months.