Friday, May 08, 2020 10:42 a.m. EDT by Thomson Reuters <\/p>\n
MILAN (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. said on Friday it would create its first datacentre region in Italy under a $1.5 billion investment plan as the U.S. company expands its cloud computing services to more locations across the world.<\/p>\n
Microsoft's rival Amazon Web Services last week opened a datacentre region in Milan, while in March Google's Inc sealed a partnership with former phone monopoly Telecom Italia to expand cloud business operations in Italy.<\/p>\n
Analysts expect the Italian cloud market to grow at a double digit pace in the next few years as companies, which have embraced smartworking during the coronavirus crisis, will increasingly rely on digital processes for their business.<\/p>\n
Jean-Philippe Courtois, Microsoft's head of global sales, marketing and operations, said the company saw enormous potential to accelerate innovation through cloud services.<\/p>\n
The new datacentre region will be based in the Milan area, joining Microsoft's other 60 regions announced globally.<\/p>\n
In February, Microsoft announced plans to open a new datacentre region in Spain and earlier this week the company said it would invest $1 billion in Poland as part of plans to open a data centre to provide cloud services to businesses and institutions.<\/p>\n
Also in Italy, Microsoft, under a five-year plan, will provide access to local cloud services and launch digital skilling and smart-working and artificial intelligence programs for small and medium enterprises.<\/p>\n
The company will also expand its technology partnership with state-controlled postal operator Poste Italiane, helping the company to accelerate its digital transformation.<\/p>\n
(Reporting by Elvira Pollina. Editing by Jane Merriman)<\/p>\n
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Microsoft to invest $1.5 billion in Italian cloud business - Midwest Communication<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Friday, May 08, 2020 10:42 a.m. EDT by Thomson Reuters MILAN (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp Continue reading