Microsoft bolsters cloud ambitions with OS Network

25 cloud partners signed up on new Cloud OS Network in order to grow Microsoft's Azure platform's global presence

Microsoft has unveiled its first-ever Cloud OS Network – a group of cloud firms brought together in aid of taking its cloud technology to more global customers.

The 25-strong group includes the likes of Fujitsu, Outsourcery and Capita IT Services and will serve more than three million customers throughout 90 markets and 425 datacentres worldwide.

The network has been charged with pushing out services built on Microsoft's cloud platform including its cloud-management Azure technology.

Microsoft claims the move will give more choice and flexibility to enterprises and government organisations as the cloud technology delivered can be customised and managed to their specifications.

Maurice Martin, director of server and cloud platforms at Microsoft, said the new network will specifically benefit the UK.

"Working with our UK service provider partners via our new Cloud OS Network additionally means that together we can offer services that are fully compliant with UK government security standards, allowing confidential data to be securely processed within our cloud ecosystem," he said.

"Choice is key. UK customers now benefit from a true hybrid cloud model – being able to deploy services and applications in a consistent way across UK-based leading service providers."