News

Capgemini, Microsoft Ramp Up Windows Azure Collaboration

• By Kurt Mackie
• 07/22/2011

In a move to extend their partnership on Microsoft's Windows Azure cloud computing platform, Capgemini and Microsoft are planning to address the cloud computing needs of businesses in 22 countries using Azure.

According to an announcement issued this week by the two companies, the deal includes a joint investment in marketing, sales and technical training. Paris-based Capgemini plans to train 1,500 developers and architects on the Windows Azure platform. The Capgemini consultancy also will set up a Windows Azure Center of Excellence in Mumbai, India.

One of Capgemini's other tasks under the deal will be to work with third-party software providers that are developing solutions for Azure.

Initial efforts will be focused on markets in North America, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Targeted sectors will include energy, financial services, the public sector and utility companies. Both companies will provide advice on cloud strategies to companies, according to the announcement.

Microsoft and Capgemini are already working with the Dutch police on a Azure pilot program called the "virtual police service." It's an Internet portal designed to share information among police, safety professionals and civilians.

In May of last year, the two companies announced a partnership on Microsoft Business Productivity Online Services (BPOS), a suite of Microsoft software delivered as services from Microsoft's global datacenters. Microsoft announced last month that it upgraded those BPOS applications based on its 2010 brands, calling it "Office 365," and launching services across 40 markets worldwide.

Capgemini currently claims to have "more than 1,000 consultants" already trained on delivering Office 365 solutions.