Microsoft is focusing on providing Cloud services to governments all over the world. As governments all over the world are looking to harness the potential of Cloud computing, the push from Redmond giant comes at a very critical time. Avid readers would be aware of the fact that Microsoft has already won the $10 billion JEDI (Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure) contract with US Department of Defense (DoD).
The aforementioned contract includes Microsoft offering Cloud computing and storage resources for all DoD security classification levels. The Redmond giant will also offer secure and offline devices to DoD, and will bring entire military system under one unified architecture.
Read More: Pentagon Barred From Discussing Trump In JEDI Contract Probe
Now, CNBC has quoted unnamed sources to state that Microsoft is signing deals with other foreign governments to offer Cloud computing packages similar to the JEDI deal inked with DoD. Microsoft is interested in developing a rapport with other foreign governments similar to the one it has developed with the Pentagon for the JEDI contract.
The reach-out to foreign governments actually started due to the JEDI contracts, said the CNBC report. The legal challenge thrown in by AWS accusing the Trump administration of being prejudiced in awarding the JEDI contract has led to the work on project being delayed. This is when Microsoft employees started work on striking deals with foreign governments similar to the JEDI contract. Just to recap, the DoD had asked for a one-month extension to review the JEDI contract, just a few days before the deadline of 17 August.
Read More: And again! JEDI Contract Delayed by One More Month
While Microsoft declined to directly comment on the story, its spokesperson stated, “we’ve worked with governments around the world on a longstanding and reliable basis for four decades. We have government customers using our products to enhance their services with the latest in commercial innovations, deeply engage and connect with citizens in powerful ways, and empower government employees with the modern tools they need to be more efficient and effective, and to give them time back to focus on their agency mission.”
The aforementioned report also stated that the move to provider Cloud services to foreign governments is a part of Microsoft’s strategy to expand into public sector services. This approach by Microsoft of expanding its Cloud infrastructure business while keeping strong ties with the US government might garner even more success for the Redmond giant. These strong ties may even help the company acquire the infamous Chinese-owned social media app, TikTok.
While there is no clarity over which countries Microsoft is focusing on, the report’s source stated that the company already has a few contracts in its bag. The JEDI contract indeed is a strong reference for any potential public sector contract, and one can also assume that Microsoft can readily provide similar services to US’ ally countries that are a part of joint strategic treaties.
Read More: The JEDI Contract: What really happened?