Microsoft to invest $1.5 bln in Italian cloud business

MILAN: Microsoft Corp. said on Friday it would create its first datacentre region in Italy under a $1.5 billion investment plan as the U.S. company expands its cloud computing services to more locations across the world.

Microsoft’s rival Amazon Web Services last week opened a datacentre region in Milan, while in March Google’s Inc sealed a parternership with former phone monopoly Telecom Italia to expand cloud business operations in Italy.

Analysts expect the Italian cloud market to grow at a double digit pace in the next few years as companies, which have embraced smartworking during the coronavirus crisis, will increasingly rely on digital processes for their business.