On August 8, 2019, Microsoft’s Cloud services were launched into operation in two regions of Switzerland, Zurich and Geneva. In the initial phase, 30 customers and partners will benefit from Microsoft Azure Services as early adopters. However, preparations are already in full swing for the inclusion of further customers in the Microsoft Cloud Switzerland.

Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics 365 in the new Microsoft Cloud Switzerland

The two Swiss Azure regions make it possible for Microsoft to deliver cloud services directly in Switzerland. While Microsoft Azure and Office 365 will be generally available from the Swiss cloud regions in the coming months, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform are expected to follow in 2020. The Microsoft cloud in Switzerland offers more than 90 conformity certifications, including more than 50 specifically for global regions and countries such as the USA, the European Union, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, India and China. It also includes over 35 compliance offerings specifically tailored to the needs of key industries such as manufacturing, finance, media, education and health.

Focus on safety, control and operational continuity

With the new cloud regions, Swiss data will remain in Switzerland since data is stored directly in Zurich and Geneva. This additional level of control makes it easier for companies to comply with regulatory requirements.

“Microsoft cloud services from certain regions, such as our new regions in Switzerland, offer scalable, highly available and resilient cloud services and support companies and organizations in meeting their data residency, security and compliance requirements. We have deep data protection expertise and enable customers around the world to meet comprehensive security and data protection requirements by offering the industry’s broadest range of compliance certifications and attestations”.

Tom Keane, Microsoft’s Corporate VP for Azure Global

More than 20 services available on launch

With the commissioning of the two new Azure regions, more than 20 services will also be launched, including:

• Azure Application Gateway
• Azure Cosmos DB
• Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2
• Azure Resource Manager
• Azure SQL Database

Over 30 Swiss companies are already using the new Microsoft Cloud regions

More than 30 companies are part of the Early Adopters program and are now migrating their applications to the Microsoft Cloud data centers in Zurich and Geneva. Among them are several Microsoft partners from all regions of Switzerland who support their customers in the digital transformation. The first customers to use the new cloud regions in Switzerland include UBS, Swiss Re, Mobiliar, BKW Group, Skyguide, City of Zug, Exploris Health and Swisscom.

The Microsoft cloud on course for global growth

Microsoft Azure is currently available in 46 regions around the world ? no other cloud provider offers such a comprehensive network. This gives Azure customers the flexibility to deploy applications where they need them. Just how serious Microsoft is about the cloud business and data security can also be seen from the plans for expanding the network: a further eight regions are to follow in the medium term.

“This type of investment will help us in our efforts to serve our customers, reach new customers and improve their business through the transformative capabilities of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.?

Tom Keane, Microsoft’s Corporate VP for Azure Global

Looking for more information?

Would you like to know how the new Microsoft cloud in Switzerland will affect your situation and what opportunities it offers your company? Our experts are on hand to help and advise you. Contact us today!

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