Fujitsu and Microsoft have signed a new worldwide cloud computing partnership that enables Fujitsu to deploy the Windows Azure platform appliance in Fujitsu datacentres.
Under the partnership, Fujitsu will offer a set of new cloud services and offerings, including system integration, cloud migration and managed services, to customers and independent software vendors (ISVs). It will also run its own applications on the Windows Azure platform appliance.
The partnership also involves both companies, combining their strengths to develop a Fujitsu-branded Windows Azure platform appliance that customers will be able to purchase and deploy in their own datacentres, using Fujitsu’s hardware technology.
Microsoft said that the new Fujitsu cloud services and offerings based on the Windows Azure platform will be available first in Fujitsu’s datacentres in Japan, starting at the Fujitsu Tatebayashi System Center by the end of 2010, to be followed by other locations around the world.
Fujitsu will also train more than 5,000 consultants and developers to work with customers and ISVs to consult, develop and integrate new and existing applications on the Windows Azure platform. In addition, both the companies will develop sales and marketing activities to further promote the new cloud services.
Kazuo Ishida, corporate senior executive vice president, responsible for ICT Services Business at Fujitsu, said: "Through this alliance, we are providing our customers with a new array of possibilities in cloud computing. Our partnership with Microsoft truly reflects Fujitsu’s cloud strategy and will no doubt break new ground in contributing to the creation of an IT-networked society."
