Microsoft has revealed further details about its European cloud initiatives.
Speaking to 2000 business leaders, developers and entrepreneurs in Dublin, CEO Satya Nadella and president Brad Smith revealed that the company has now more than doubled the capacity of its cloud offering in Europe following a $3 billion investment.
The company intends to deliver its cloud services from local datacenters, including France and the UK, from next year – a move which has attracted the UK’s MoD and Renault-Nissan Alliance to move their businesses to the cloud, allowing them to adhere to European data sovereignty, compliance and security needs.
“We continue to invest heavily in cloud infrastructure to meet the growing demand from European customers and partners,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Building a global, trusted, intelligent cloud platform is core to our mission to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more. There’s never been a better time for organisations across Europe to seize new growth and opportunity with the Microsoft Cloud.”
Cloud for Global Good
In its effort to create more trust in the cloud, the company have also published a new book, “A Cloud for Global Good.” The book details over 70 public policy recommendations across 15 categories and covers topics like security, privacy and environmental sustainability.
“Cloud computing has the potential to solve some of our world’s most challenging issues, but, as with all technological advancements, it raises important questions for society,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft president. “We must work together to build a cloud for global good. Our hope is that the ideas shared in this book will help move technology forward while ensuring no one is left behind.”
The book’s specific proposals tackle challenges like data flow disruptions that can interrupt critical services, protecting people from online exploitation and fraud, and ensuring those with disabilities can access e-government services.
The tour will include stops in Dublin, Paris, Berlin and London, during which time Microsoft’s leaders will meet with European customers, partners, developers and government leaders.
View the book online
