Microsoft to set up cloud data centre

Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility over a network. There are different types of clouds such as public, private and hybrid. The main benefit of cloud computing is that the device is location independent. Users can access systems from anywhere in the world.

In the recent news, Microsoft is said to be considering setting up a cloud computing data centre in India. If it does so, then Microsoft will be first MNC to set up cloud data centre in India. At present, many companies in India are employing Microsoft’s cloud computing services. All these data centres are located abroad. Their functionality is limited by the fact that the RBI guidelines prohibit the storing of customer data outside of India’s borders. This is the sole reason for limiting the adoption of cloud based services companies in India, mainly those companies that offer financial services.

Microsoft’s cloud computing is the fastest growing segment of the company. India is one of the fastest growing markets of cloud computing solutions in the world. It is growing with double and triple digits every few months. Even if Microsoft becomes the first MNC to set up a data centre in India, global competitors such as Amazon and Google are sure to follow and give them a tough fight. All three companies have cloud data centres in Asia at only one place, Singapore. Globally Microsoft has 13 data centres, Google has 12 and Amazon just 8.

It is interesting to note that even though internet users are growing at fast clip in India but none of the biggies has set up their data centres in India. It may be because of issues of infrastructure and power supply. This is the reason companies set up their cloud data centres in Malaysia or Singapore where infrastructure is good as compared to India.