Microsoft opts for Europe: here's what's changing

On April 30, Microsoft made five commitments that have a direct impact on organizations that work with Microsoft. Important news. Especially for those who work with sensitive data, are looking for innovation opportunities or are dependent on stable cloud solutions.

This is changing:

Data stays in Europe

From now on, Microsoft only stores customer data from European organizations within Europe and actively protects it against foreign access. In addition, they have legally established that they oppose interference from outside Europe, including through the courts. This gives organizations extra guidance when it comes to compliance and sovereignty.

More capacity for growth and AI

The European data center capacity will be doubled, spread across sixteen countries, including the Netherlands. That means: faster access, better availability and more space for applications with AI, data analysis and scalable software. Contractual guarantees for continuity in the event of geopolitical turmoil are also part of this expansion.

European governance of European data

Microsoft is establishing a separate board for its European cloud activities. This board of directors consists entirely of European citizens and operates under European law. This reinforces the trust in governance and independence of the European cloud infrastructure.

Supporting local AI and collaborating with European partners

Microsoft invests specifically in AI development within Europe and works with local partners, including SAP and Arvato Systems. This opens doors for projects that comply with European regulations and are in line with social issues.

Stronger focus on cybersecurity and resilience

In a time of digital threat and geopolitical uncertainty, Microsoft is investing extra in security and stability. These measures are intended to guarantee the availability of services, even under pressure. For organizations that run their core processes in the cloud, this is essential.

More attention to open source, skills and autonomy

Finally, there will be more room for open standards, digital skills and technological freedom of choice.

Microsoft Partner

At TeamValue, we are happy with this course. It offers extra security to get started now with innovations that may have felt too risky before. And it confirms our approach: workable IT that moves with people, processes and ambitions.

As an official Microsoft partner, we are closely following these developments. They strengthen the basis on which we, together with our customers, build secure, agile and future-proof IT solutions. Do you want to know more about the changes or have a chat about your IT environment? Feel free to take contact on. We are happy to think along with you.