Elly Yates-Roberts |
Digital transformation has been driving business growth in all industries for some time, with many organisations making it a priority in order to compete in the market. In fact, the new IDC Worldwide Semiannual Digital Transformation Spending Guide found that global spending on digital transformation is expected to reach US$2.3 trillion in 2023.
Microsoft has spent the year developing its products, building new partnerships and fostering older ones, to help its customers pursue digital transformation and ensure that it fulfils its mission to “empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more.”
Here are just some the firm’s biggest wins this year that are transforming the world of enterprise:
Microsoft and AT&T partner to provide new offerings in 5G and AI
The multi-year collaboration aims to deliver new customer offerings built on AT&T’s network and Microsoft’s Azure cloud, for example in voice, collaboration and conferencing, intelligent edge and networking, the internet of things, public safety and cybersecurity.
“This deal has positioned Microsoft as a key cloud provider to the telco market, setting a new bar in leadership,” said Jennifer Cooper, global head of media and communication industry strategy and solutions at Microsoft.
Microsoft and Walt Disney Studios develop workflows on Azure
The five-year partnership will see the firms develop new cloud-based workflows for creating, producing and distributing content on the Microsoft Azure cloud. “The Disney announcement signalled Microsoft’s leadership in supporting migration to the cloud of the largest global content creator,” Cooper said.
Porsche Holdings adopts Microsoft 365 and Teams
Microsoft is also making waves in the manufacturing and automotive spaces, as organisations are adopting its solutions, for example to improve employee communication and collaboration.
Bentley Systems launches Synchro XR for Microsoft HoloLens 2
With the firm’s new Synchro XR app for HoloLens 2, users can interact collaboratively with digital construction models.
Be-Mobile uses Microsoft Azure to build route planner for Antwerp
The city of Antwerp and smart mobility firm Be-Mobile are hosting a new tool on Microsoft Azure to encourage drivers to use their cars less, and as such, reduce the amount of traffic to improve congestion and environmental impact.
UCLA Health chooses Microsoft Azure to accelerate medical research
US-based academic medical centre UCLA Health is using Microsoft Azure cloud to more quickly interpret insights and enhance research collaboration, to ultimately speed up and improve overall healthcare.
Yes Bank creates ‘Yes Robot’ using Microsoft Cognitive Services
Microsoft has also been supporting the modernisation of financial services this year. India’s Yes Bank created the ‘Yes Robot’ – an AI powered 24/7 personal banking assistant which uses Microsoft Cognitive Services. It helps customers apply for over 65 banking products, with real-time assistance, and enables users to perform many types of transactions.
KPMG to invest US$5 billion in its digital strategy
Through the investment the accounting and consultancy firm will implement Microsoft 365, Teams, Azure and AI services to create a cloud-based platform for new audit capabilities, tax solutions and risk management.
Microsoft launches new Dynamics 365 applications for retail
Microsoft’s new Dynamics 365 Commerce is an omnichannel solution that unifies back office, in-store, call centre and digital experiences to help retailers enhance the shopping experience for their customers. Its AI-based systems also provide insights for more personalised services.
Natuzzi transforms furniture shopping with Microsoft HoloLens
Italian furniture company Natuzzi is enabling customers to use Microsoft HoloLens to visualise the products in their own homes, without leaving the store.