FILE PHOTO: A Microsoft logo is seen next to a cloud in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on June 14, 2016. REUTERS\/Lucy Nicholson\/File Photo<\/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
Microsofts rival Amazon Web Services last week opened a datacentre region in Milan, while in March Googles 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, Microsofts 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 Microsofts 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 - Reuters<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FILE PHOTO: A Microsoft logo is seen next to a cloud in Los Angeles, California, U.S. Continue reading