Microsoft Azure Helps Accelerate China's "Ocean of Cloud" Program

As it promised in response to the Obama administration's reluctance to rein in the NSA, Microsoft is mobilizing Microsoft Azure and positioning its services outside the US.

Yesterday, Microsoft announced the first-ever global Cloud in China has gone public. Stating a growing appetite for Cloud services in the area, Microsoft Azure is being operated by 21Vianet, the largest carrier-neutral Internet data center service provider in China. 21Vianet already provides full Cloud services to Chinese business residents including CNTV and Coca-Cola. To celebrate the official launch, 21Vianet held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Shanghai Expo Center.

In the run-up to the launch, 21Vianet reports that over 3,000 clients have already signed up for the service. Among those, 160+ large enterprises migrated to paid contracts prior to the public release. 21Vianet is also offering 2,000 free trial accounts to allow more customers to get a taste of Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft Azure for China, is reported to be in full compliance with Chinese national and local regulations, including the country's stringent standards for data security.

Mr. Josh Chen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated:

"We are proud to partner with a world technology leader and be the operator for Microsoft Azure services in the China market. By leveraging Microsoft’s strong reputation and over 15 years of cloud experience, as well as 21Vianet’s data center expertise, we have built one of China’s premier cloud computing platforms."

In a race for Cloud dominance, the move is considered monumental, considering that Microsoft has beat both Amazon and Google to the Chinese market. Microsoft Azure remains the fastest growing business segment servicing for Microsoft. The company states that an average of 1,000 new, worldwide customers sign up for the service daily.

Last month Microsoft announced a similar offering opened in Japan.