Microsoft to Deliver Azure, O365, Dynamics CRM Online from UK Data Center

Abstract: Microsoft will deliver Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics CRM Online from a new UK data center region; completes data center expansions in Ireland and Netherlands; part of $2 billion+ spent on cloud infrastructure across Europe.

Microsoft Corp. CEO Satya Nadella today announced plans that it will offer commercial cloud services from the UK beginning late 2016.

Microsoft Azure and Office 365 will be generally available from local UK-based data centers at the end of 2016 with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online following soon after. As Microsoft described the services in a statement:

Built on foundational trusted cloud principles of security, privacy and control, compliance and transparency, these services will offer customers data residency in the UK [in-country residency being required by some EU and UK regulations], bringing world-class reliability and performance to government organizations, regulated industries and other businesses.

All practicalities aside, in-country data storage is frequently required - particularly by government agencies, for example, by the Canada's Privacy Act, equivalent to the US's Patriot Act.

Microsoft reports it has invested more than $15 billion in building its worldwide cloud infrastructure and cloud services aimed at delivering high availability and security while lowering overall costs. With 24 Azure regions around the world - more, says the company, than any other major cloud provider - this this latest expansion is further proof of Microsoft's "commitment to expanding its trusted cloud infrastructure around the world."

In 2015 alone, Microsoft announced Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and Microsoft 365 are now available from Australian datacenters; also that Microsoft Office 365 had just completed (as of March) a formal security assessment for unclassified sensitive government data via Australian ...