US-Based telecommunications equipment manufacturer Motorola Inc, one of Malaysia's largest investor and employer, has sold its software development center (SDC) in Malaysia to Satyam Computer Services Ltd, Malaysian media reported today.

No figures were revealed, but the deal is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.

Under the deal, Satyam, a leading global consulting and information technology (IT) services provider, will take over all 128 Motorola employees along with the unit's assets in Cyberjaya in Malaysian central Selangor state as part of plans to boost its competitiveness in Malaysia and throughout Asia Pacific.

Motorola will contract directly with Satyam for development services of its market-leading network management software.

Motorola employees who join Satyam will have access to Satyam's world-class training programs and career development opportunities.

The SDC is part of Motorola's home and network mobility business and focuses on network management system development.

"The strategic transaction between Satyam and Motorola has strengthened Satyam's value proposition in the telecommunications sector, which is increasingly becoming more diversified and value-based. The acquisition springboards us to expand our reach to wider addressable new geographies to propel greater growth," Satyam head for Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and India, Virender Aggarwal said in a statement yesterday.

"This is a unique effort that will continue to drive Motorola's strategy in Malaysia, will strengthen our competitive position, and improve cost structure and operational efficiencies," said Motorola corporate vice-president of software operations and WiMAX and LTE engineering, home and networks mobility, Sudhakar Ramakrishna.