Microsoft is planning to launch multiple cloud data centres in France as the company’s European cloud investment has so far exceeded $3bn.
Besides announcing the plans for new data centres, the company has also released a new book, entitled “A Cloud for Global Good,” featuring policy recommendations for things like data protection.
The book features 78 public policy recommendations in 15 areas ranging from personal privacy, security, and safety to environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and education, and jobs skills training.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the investment comes as a result of an increasing demand from both European customers, and partners.
Nadella said: “Building a global, trusted, intelligent cloud platform is core to our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. There’s never been a better time for organizations across Europe to seize new growth and opportunity with the Microsoft Cloud.”
The tech giant is planning to offer Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics 365 from multiple datacentre locations in France, with initial availability expected in 2017.
The company’s European cloud data centre footprint now features facilities in the UK; Germany, where it is using T-Systems International as both data centre provider and data trustee; Austria; Finland; Ireland; and the Netherlands.
Organisations such as the UK Ministry of Defence, the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and Ireland’s Health Service Executive are using Microsoft’s products to undergo digital transformation.
Microsoft president Brad Smith said: “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.
“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.”
