Microsoft targets growth in Indian cloud-computing market

NEW DELHI — Microsoft will build data centres in India to tap demand for cloud-based computing as it plans to offer its Azure and Office 365 services in the world’s second-most populous nation.

Azure, which allows businesses to access computing resources and run programs via the Internet, will be available from local data centres by the end of next year, CEO Satya Nadella told reporters in New Delhi yesterday. Office 365, a cloud-based subscription version of Microsoft’s productivity programs, will be available at the same time, he said.

Cloud computing is a key part of Mr Nadella’s plan to transform Microsoft and retain relevance as consumers shift from desktops to tablets and smartphones by keeping information stored on remote servers instead of local hard drives.

The world’s biggest software maker competes against rivals including Amazon.com and Google for clients in India.

“Microsoft’s cloud services in India have grown over 100 per cent in revenue in the past year,” the company said in a statement. “Microsoft’s locally available cloud services will open opportunities for banking, financial services and insurance companies and state-owned enterprises and government departments.”

India this year emerged as the world’s fastest growing smartphone market, driving Internet penetration. BLOOMBERG