Microsoft announced this morning a plan to invest $1.5 billion in Italy to expand its Azure footprint by building its first data center in the country. The five-year investment plan called “Ambizione Italia #DigitalRestart” foresees a firm commitment by Microsoft to empower Italian organizations, support economic growth, and launch digital skilling programs. In addition, Microsoft aims to launch a new Sustainability Alliance to provide access to AI Hubs, and programs to promote SMBs in this region.
In terms of its investment plan in Italy, Microsoft says that research conducted by Microsoft Italia and Politecnico di Milano School of Management indicates that the new data center would generate more than 10,000 job opportunities, as well as an estimated $9 billion revenue for local businesses by the end of 2024. Silvia Candiani, General Manager, Microsoft Italy discussed how the plan creates a platform for growth for millions of Italians during the next five years.
In this time of change, it is important to create private and public collaboration and join forces among companies. This plan creates a platform for growth for millions of Italians. The new datacenter region will provide intelligent and secure services, and we will continue to partner with our customers to reimagine their business models creating more innovative companies
This announcement comes at a time when Microsoft has been gradually expanding its cloud offering worldwide. This week, Microsoft has also announced new data centers in Poland and New Zeland to drive digital transformation in these countries.
