Microsoft is building on years of technology innovation by extending personal computing to include the PC, the Web, and an ever-expanding array of mobile devices. Microsoft's Software-plus-Services approach combines cloud services with local software to help organizations seamlessly connect across PCs, devices, and the Web.
Software-plus-Services combines the best aspects of software running on PCs, servers, and devices with the best aspects of services running on the Web.
Software-plus-Services also recognizes that for most organizations, the ideal way to build IT infrastructure is to find the right balance of applications that are run and managed within the organization and applications that are run and managed in the cloud. This balance varies by organization. A financial services company may choose to maintain customer records within its own data center to provide the extra layers of protection that it feels are needed to safeguard the privacy of personal information. However, it may then outsource IT systems that provide basic capabilities such as e-mail. This balance will change over time within an organization, as well. With Software-plus-Services, an organization can move applications back and forth between its own servers and the cloud quickly and smoothly.
When absolute control and customization to address specific business needs are a priority for particular applications-you might choose to use on-premises servers within your own data center.
When you need specialized management and expertise you might access specific capabilities hosted by Microsoft and our partners.
When you want the benefits of our proven software and robust, secure delivery methods via the cloud you might choose Online Services from Microsoft hosted in our data centers.
Microsoft Online Services
Microsoft Online Services complement capabilities to your end-user desktops. Our Online Services are delivered via a subscription and offered over the Web. These Online Services complement your existing Microsoft on-premise solutions for users with rich desktops as well as for users accessing applications via a Web browser.
Business Productivity Online Suite
A key component of Microsoft Online Services is our Business Productivity Online Suite. The services in this suite include Exchange Online, a messaging solution based on Microsoft Exchange Server 2007; SharePoint Online, a collaboration solution based on SharePoint Server 2007; Office Communications Online, an instant messaging and presence solution based on Office Communications Server 2007; and Office Live Meeting, a Web conferencing solution. We also offer Dynamics CRM Online, an on-demand customer relationship management service hosted and managed by Microsoft, and Exchange Hosted Services, hosted services for e-mail filtering, encryption, archiving, and continuity assurance. All these services are hosted at our data centers and delivered over the Internet, allowing you to realize cost savings through lower capital and administrative costs.
Microsoft Data Centers
Microsoft is one of the largest data-center operators in the world, housing hundreds of thousands of servers in our facilities. We have designed our data centers to grow with the demands of our Online Services customers. We know that trust is critical, and we are dedicated to keeping our customers' data and our sites secure, our servers available and reliable, and our performance consistent. As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we use the latest innovations in technology and construction to maximize efficiencies and take advantage of alternative energy sources. In our Quincy, Washington (U.S.), data center, we use hydroelectric power, an ecologically sound choice that significantly reduces our energy costs. In our Dublin, Ireland, data center, we use outside air for cooling, and in our San Antonio, Texas (U.S.), facility, we use recycled water to cool the data center.
Our vision for the future of data centers includes modular facilities and the flexibility of containerized servers. The modular "building blocks" include prefabricated mechanical, electrical, and security components. New facilities can be built incrementally and deployed in only three to six months, reducing capital costs and construction, packaging, and energy waste.
