Microsoft Will Open Two German-Only Azure Data Centre Regions

Microsoft is opening two new dedicated data centre regions in Germany to power its Azure public cloud.

The facilities will be run in partnership with Deutsche Telekom, with Microsoft highlighting the security benefits of using German-only regions for German customers, especially in light of the recent invalidation of Safe Harbour.

Microsoft boss Satya Nadella said: “Our new datacenter regions in Germany, operated in partnership with Deutsche Telekom, will not only spur local innovation and growth, but offer customers choice and trust in how their data is handled and where it is stored.”

The news comes just one day after Nadella revealed Microsoft plans to launch a dedicated Azure region in the UK as the company scales up its Azure European assault. German data trustee, Deutsche Telekom, will control and oversee all access to customer data.

Privacy

Germany has led the European privacy conversation ever since the Snowden revelations in 2013. Today, Microsoft made efforts to quell any privacy concerns citizens may have about using Azure cloud in Germany.

“Microsoft’s latest offering addresses companies who need to comply with the most stringent privacy regulations. It now enables us and our customers to scale and to successfully implement new business models even broader”, said Dr Arthur Kaindl, a Siemens Healthcare spokesperson for Microsoft.

The version of Azure itself will be deployed as what’s described as “locally deployed” and will allegedly adhere to the strict German data handling regulations, with customers allowed to virtually view where their data is being held and processed.

The two data centre regions will be situated in the cities of Magdeburg and Frankfurt am Main, and are expected to begin operation in the second half of 2016.

“Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every individual on the planet to achieve more,” said Satya Nadella when announcing this week’s string of Azure regions at the company’s annual Future Decoded event in London.

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