Microsoft to launch first Middle-East cloud data centres
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Microsoft to launch first Middle-East cloud data centres

Microsoft is looking to launch its first data centres in the Middle East region by early 2019.

The tech giant will open data centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering cloud-based services including Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics 365, as well as data residency options for customers, according to reports from the region.

Sayed Hashish, regional manager for Microsoft Gulf, told Gulf News that the UAE launch is part of a wider expansion that will see Microsoft launch four new facilities globally. The others will be in France, Germany and Switzerland.

“The data centres that are being created will be resourced, managed and run by Microsoft and offer full intelligent cloud with Azure, Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365,” he said.

“We have been in the Middle East for more than 20 years and are committed to the region. The decision to have the data centres now comes from the opportunities arising from the digital transformation in the region and address some of our customers such as health care, government and public sectors’ need to have local data residency.”

The report claims the centres are most likely to be leased from Etisalat Digital, a business unit of Etisalat, which is also a Cloud Solutions Provider for Microsoft. 

Salvador Anglada, Chief Business Officer, Etisalat says, “This alliance reinforces the UAE 2021 vision to become one of the top knowledge-based economies in the world. Our collaboration with Microsoft perfectly fits our existing capabilities and positions Etisalat Digital as the leading partner for our customers’ digital transformation journey. 

“The strength of Microsoft’s cloud combined with Etisalat’s own advanced infrastructure and reliable connectivity will be instrumental in accelerating cloud adoption in the UAE and the Middle East.”

The upcoming issue of Capacity Magazine will feature a special report on cloud and data centres. To get involved, contact james.pearce@capacitymedia.com

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