Microsoft launches Azure on-prem alliances and Microsoft 365 platform

Microsoft kicks off Inspire event in Washington with shipping dates for Azure stack and new commercial platform

Microsoft has launched partnerships with three hardware vendors for its on-premise Azure stack, as well as a new 'Microsoft 365' platform.

Microsoft said that the Azure stack are available to purchase as an integrated system on hardware from Dell EMC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Lenovo - with deliveries starting in September. Huawei and Cisco alliances are set to follow.

Microsoft also launched Microsoft 365, a platform which bundles Office 365, Windows 10, and Microsoft's enterprise mobility and security products.

The Azure stack is charged based on a customer's usage, and is bundled into their existing Azure subscription.

Microsoft 365

Alongside the Azure stack announcement is the launch of Microsoft 365 - a platform that pulls together a range of Microsoft's commercial offerings.

Microsoft 365 has both an Enterprise and a Business edition aimed at large organisations and SMBs respectively.

The vendor said the new platform represents a shift in how it takes its commercial offerings to market.

Judson Althoff, executive vice president of worldwide commercial business at Microsoft, said in a blog post: "Microsoft 365 represents a fundamental shift in how we will design, build and go to market to address our customers' needs for a modern workplace.

"It's a more cohesive approach and reflects the shift our partners and our mutual customers are making — from viewing productivity, security and device management as individual workloads to seeking a comprehensive approach to secure productivity.

"Microsoft 365 is great for partners, too. It represents a significant opportunity to increase deal size, differentiate offerings, and grow their managed services revenue."

Both versions of Microsoft 365 are set to be available this quarter.