The importance of the announcement is worth mentioning as this is the first datacenter Microsoft has opened in Africa. It allows organizations to use Microsoft Azure cloud services with region-held resources and connectivity. “The launch of these regions marks a major milestone for Microsoft as we open our first enterprise-grade datacenters in Africa, becoming the first global provider to deliver cloud services from datacenters on the continent. The new regions provide the latest example of our ongoing investment to help enable digital transformation and advance technologies such as AI, cloud, and edge computing across Africa.” Microsoft says its datacenter expansion in Africa is part of its strategy for expansion for delivering cloud infrastructure to fill demand in new regions. The company points to an IDC study that shows demand for cloud in South Africa is increasing. Indeed, the study found demand for public cloud services in the country will triple over the next five years.
Cloud Growth
New cloud services will deliver a jobs boost to the country, generating 112,000 new positions by the end of 2022. “By delivering the comprehensive Microsoft Cloud — comprising Azure, Office 365, and Dynamics 365 — from datacenters in a given geography, we offer scalable, available, and resilient cloud services to companies and organizations while meeting data residency, security, and compliance needs.” Microsoft’s three new Azure regions mean the company now has 54 regions around the world. That is more than any cloud service provider.
