Microsoft to open its first datacenter region in COVID-19 "Safe Haven" New Zealand

Yesterday, Microsoft announced its plans to open a new datacenter region in Poland. Today, Microsoft announced its plans to open its first datacenter region in New Zealand. This new datacenter region will allow Microsoft to better serve enterprise-grade services for startups, businesses and government organizations in New Zealand. Microsoft will also support educational skilling programs to increase future employability opportunities for the youth in New Zealand.

“This significant investment in New Zealand’s digital infrastructure is a testament to the remarkable spirit of New Zealand’s innovation and reflects how we’re pushing the boundaries of what is possible as a nation,” said Vanessa Sorenson, general manager, Microsoft New Zealand. “The Fletcher School’s Digital Evolution Index characterises New Zealand as a ‘standout nation’ demonstrating to the world what the future might look like. I’m confident this investment will help accelerate our digital evolution.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attributed the investment due to New Zealand’s “safe haven” advantage, after successfully curbing the coronavirus. New Zealand has only had 2 new cases of COVID-19 infection this week and appears on course to eliminate the virus from their borders.

“We are ready to welcome quality investments and offer a safe place for operations in both the health and business sense,” Ardern said.

“By tackling the virus we have positioned our economy to be able to rebuild ahead of many others globally…that is our safe haven strategic advantage.”

You can learn more about this announcement from the link below.

Source: Microsoft