Alice Chambers |
Microsoft Greece has assessed its impact in Greece over the last 30 years and published its achievements in a new Impact Report.
According to the study, the firm has helped to accelerate the country’s economic growth by offering digital skills training to businesses and improving the country’s cloud connectivity via three new data centres. Microsoft has also supported sustainability initiatives and improved the security of hundreds of Greece-based businesses.
Microsoft has had a permanent presence the country since 1992 and opened its first office in Marousi, Athens, in 2004. Bill Gates then inaugurated the Microsoft Innovation Center in 2008, which has offered free working space, technology support, mentorship and access to funding and networking opportunities for over 800 start-up businesses.
“We must ensure the technology we create benefits everyone on the planet, as well as the planet itself, by focusing on four interconnected pillars: support inclusive economic opportunity, protect fundamental rights, create a sustainable future and earn trust,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “I’ve never been more optimistic about the potential of digital technology to overcome constraints and create new opportunity.”
The three new data centres that will be built in Greece are part of Microsoft’s ‘Gr for Growth’ initiative that will improve the country’s connectivity.
“In 2020, we made a commitment on an investment that has the power to change the face of Greece,” said Theodosis Michalopoulos, general manager at Microsoft Greece, Cyprus and Malta. “We invest in infrastructure, technical expertise and education, aiming to create an ecosystem of knowledge, innovation, inspiration, growth and extroversion. We bring the cloud but we have our feet on the ground. We are here as a partner, an ally aiming to become part of the solution in today’s problems.”
Read the full Microsoft report.