Microsoft Cloud for All?

Microsoft has announced a new initiative aimed at ensuring its cloud computing resources serve the public good. The newly established Microsoft Philanthropies will commit USD 1 billion over three years to this effort.

Cloud driving social change

Cloud computing and its services enable insights from data—leading not only to breakthroughs in science and technology, but also in economic and social spheres. This contributes to better solutions for all citizens. Cloud also enhances communication efficiency and productivity, allowing users to operate more effectively.

Satya Nadella on Microsoft's mission

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, adds:

Microsoft empowers organizations worldwide to achieve their missions by providing access to cloud computing—the most transformative technology of our time. Through this new initiative, over 70,000 organizations will gain access to technology that will help them tackle society’s greatest challenges and, as a result, improve societal wellbeing and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

In September 2015, representatives of 193 countries adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. These include eliminating hunger and poverty and ensuring affordable access to energy. Achieving these goals requires leveraging innovation and significant technological advancements. Microsoft’s cloud is essential to fulfilling this mission.

Three pillars of the new initiative

The initiative will focus on three areas:

1. Supporting nonprofit organizations

Microsoft cloud services, including Microsoft Azure, Power BI, CRM Online, and Enterprise Mobility Suite, will become available to organizations working for the public good. Previously, these organizations could only access Office 365. The program will launch in spring this year and aims to reach 70,000 organizations within three years.

Three pillars of Microsoft’s cloud initiative

2. Expanding cloud resources for academic research departments

Microsoft Research and Microsoft Philanthropies will expand the Microsoft Azure for Research program by 50%. Free access to computing resources can accelerate experimentation. Currently, Microsoft provides cloud computing services for over 600 projects across six continents.

3. Reaching new communities with internet access and cloud services

Microsoft Philanthropies and Microsoft Business Development will jointly support cloud computing efforts and invest in new technologies that improve internet access for all. Training and workshops will also be made available.

New opportunities for organizations

Microsoft’s new cloud initiative will support organizations and individuals working to improve the quality of life globally. Cloud capabilities will be available either free of charge or for a minimal fee.

Summary

Microsoft has announced an initiative through which the newly created Microsoft Philanthropies will commit USD 1 billion over three years to provide cloud computing access to nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and digitally excluded communities. The program will support 70,000 organizations, offering free access to services such as Azure, Power BI, and CRM Online, to help achieve the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Additionally, Microsoft Research will increase access to resources for research projects by 50%—currently supporting over 600 projects on six continents.