Indian operator Reliance Jio Infocomm (Jio) and Microsoft entered a long-term strategic relationship aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of the Indian economy and society. This 10-year commitment combines the functionalities of both companies to offer a detailed set of products comprising connectivity, computing, storage products, and other technology services and applications essential for Indian businesses and will span the broad ecosystem of Jio's parent Reliance Industries' businesses.
In combining efforts, Jio and Microsoft said they aim to enhance the adoption of technologies like data analytics, AI, cognitive services, blockchain, IoT, and edge computing among small and medium enterprises to make them ready to compete and grow, while helping accelerate technology-led GDP growth in India and driving adoption of next-gen technology products at scale.
This new agreement will cover multiple initiatives. First, Jio will provide its internal workforce with cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools available with Microsoft 365 and will migrate its non-network applications to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Second, Jio's connectivity infrastructure that aims to connect everyone, everything, everywhere will promote the adoption of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform within its growing ecosystem of startups, as part of Jio's cloud-first strategy.
Third, Jio will set up data centres in locations across India, consisting of next-generation compute, storage and networking functionalities, and Microsoft will deploy its Azure platform in these data centres to support Jio's offerings. The initial two data centres, which can house IT equipment consuming up to 7.5 MW of power, are being set up in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. These are targeted to be fully operational in calendar year 2020.
Fourth, Jio will leverage the Microsoft Azure cloud platform to develop innovative cloud products focused on the needs of Indian businesses.
Last, Jio will execute on its vision of integrated speech and computer vision products for Indian customers by working together with Microsoft to develop products that support major Indian languages and dialects, which will promote the adoption of technology across all cross-sections of Indian society.
