Often, two or more companies form legally contracted international joint ventures that become shared business operations distinct from each company's other activities. Microsoft and Dublin-based global management solutions company Accenture formed a joint venture in 2000 named Avanade. While Accenture is the majority owner in the venture, the purpose was for Microsoft to expand the reach of its IT-based consulting solutions. U.S.-based Intel uses an alternative approach in many of its international ventures. The company has its own internal venture capital funding organization that invests in technology companies around the world that align with its corporate strategy.