Microsoft Azure and Office 365 cloud services delivered via multiple local UK data centre – Ministry of Defence one of first customers
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has decided to use Office 365 and Azure cloud services from Microsoft's UK data centres to support its 250,000 employees - citing security and value for money as key factors.
“Microsoft’s secure and transparent cloud service in the UK fits perfectly with the MoD’s digital transformation agenda,” said Mike Stone, chief digital and information officer at the MoD.
“This agreement, which is based on Microsoft’s world class reliability and performance, will allow us to deliver cost-effective, modern and flexible information capabilities. It will ensure we are better placed in our ever changing, digital first world.”
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Aston Martin, Capita and Rosslyn Analytics have also agreed to use Microsoft’s UK data centres, joining other organisations including Glasgow City Council that are already using the company's cloud services.
The NHS trust is aiming to use Microsoft’s products to support communication across its organisation – for example, with staff and services working in the community, including home visits, which require health specialists to work remotely.
Local base
Stephen Docherty, CIO at South London and Maudsley, said: “We are excited to be a part of this data centre programme and greatly value Microsoft’s commitment to providing locally based cloud services. Everything we do is to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.
“Having the option to store data locally will allow us to take advantage of new opportunities to utilise the Microsoft UK Azure Platform and it is reassuring to know that our trust’s core data, that we create and manage, stays in the UK. For us, the Microsoft’s UK cloud region means that demonstrating regulatory and legal compliance is simpler. The bottom line is we trust Microsoft.”
Mark Raeburn, MD of Capita One – developer of One Social Care, said he was “delighted to have been selected by Microsoft to partner with them in the launch".
"Microsoft Azure’s cloud provides an innovative platform that will support us in delivering the tools that social workers need to improve the lives of children and families in the years ahead, and we are really excited to be part of this program.”
Massive infrastructure
According to Microsoft, the new cloud regions in the UK become part of one the world’s largest online storage infrastructures, supported by more than 100 data centres globally. These hold over 30 trillion pieces of data and are backed by billions of dollars in investment since 1989. With the new UK regions, customers get data residency and geo-redundant data replication in multiple data centres within the country for business continuity.
Dynamics CRM Online will become available via the UK data centres in the new year.
