Microsoft plans its first datacentre region in Greece

• Microsoft plans its first datacentre region in Greece
• Software giant also plans to skill approximately 100,000 people in digital technologies by 2025.
• Microsoft’s global footprint of cloud regions now totals 63.
• Company aims to bring the Ancient City of Olympia to life using artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Bengaluru: Microsoft announces plans for first datacentre region in Greece as part of its “GR for GRowth” digital transformation initiative.

The Greece datacentre region will join Microsoft’s global footprint of cloud regions, now totalling 63 regions announced, with Microsoft Azure available in over 140 countries, and will provide companies local access to Microsoft’s full set of cloud services.

“By a substantial margin, this is the largest investment Microsoft has made in Greece in the 28 years we have been operating here. In part, this reflects the confidence that our world-leading datacentre technology can help enable innovation and growth across Greece’s economy,” Brad Smith, President, Microsoft, said.

Moreover, he said that this large investment reflects our optimism about Greece’s future, its forward-leaning government, and the country’s ongoing economic recovery.

To support citizens in both professional and personal ambitions, Microsoft also announced its plan to skill approximately 100,000 people in Greece in digital technologies by 2025.

Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, OTE Group, Piraeus Bank, Public Power Corporation (DEI) have all expressed their intent to use the Microsoft Cloud services when available from the new region in Greece.

“Our commitment is to be a technology ally in driving growth, now and for the generations to come for our country,” Theodosis Michalopoulos, General Manager of Microsoft Greece Cyprus and Malta, said.

As part of Microsoft’s AI for Cultural Heritage program, the company is collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and Sports to bring the Ancient City of Olympia to life using artificial intelligence and other technologies.

The immersive, 3D presentation of the monuments and artifacts will give people around the world the opportunity to experience them as they were nearly 3,000 years ago. The project has been approved by the Archaeological Council (KAS) and will be available in 2021.