A week back, Microsoft announced the launch of two data centers in 2021 in Sweden. Also, it talked about the opening of data centers in Denmark as well. Microsoft will extend the cloud-based services such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365 from data centers in Sweden and Denmark.

Microsoft will have two regions in Sweden, with one datacenter is Gavle Sandviken and the second in Staffanstorp. These two regions will be using Azure-based services linked to geo-redundancy for data to be replicated between these regions to ensure availability.

Microsoft employs more than a thousand people in the country. Additionally, it has recently invested in a quantum computing research lab in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark.

“This is a proud day for Microsoft in Denmark,” said Brad Smith, President, Microsoft. “Building a hyper-scale datacenter in Denmark means we’ll store Danish data in Denmark, make computing more accessible at even faster speeds, secure data with our world-class security, protect data with Danish privacy laws, and do more to provide to the people of Denmark our best digital skills training. This investment reflects our deep appreciation of Denmark’s green and digital leadership globally and our commitment to its future.”

“The Government’s ambition is for Denmark to emerge from COVID-19 even greener, stronger and more socially just. We have initiated a green recovery of the Danish economy and launched a new strategy for green public procurement, contributing towards our ambitious climate targets. Today, data centers and IT solutions represent a considerable part of carbon emissions from public procurement in Denmark, so we see a big potential to reduce our climate footprint. I’m pleased to see that businesses are embracing the government’s climate ambitions and taking responsibility for creating a green, digital future. This underlines Denmark’s leading position in both the green and digital transition,” said Nicolai Wammen, Danish Minister of Finance.

Investment in Denmark to attract innovation and growth

The Microsoft Cloud enables innovation with the help of the latest technology, which includes AI, networking, databases, and the Internet of Things (IoT) services. There will also be Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform for strengthening organizations to build and manage critical business tasks rapidly.

The Danish data centers will provide the customers with access to low latency, enterprise-grade cloud services with world-class security.

“Microsoft is a strategic business partner and the establishment of a Danish data center region creates the basis for us to be able to use solutions based on cloud to an even greater extent. Our business is based on stable, secure and compliant operation to the financial sector, and JN Data’s task is to connect the existing systems with cloud solutions so that JN Data’s community can take full advantage of cloud. By doing so our customers achieve a higher speed of development, which they can benefit from when developing solutions for their customers and ultimately for the banks’ customers,” said Søren Lindgaard, CEO, JN Data.

Denmark workforce upskilling

By 2024, Microsoft is planning to upskill 200,000 Danes of all ages and skill levels. There will be in-depth technical training programs and Azure certifications for partners and customers, whereas digital education opportunities for children and youth.

“With this investment, we’re taking the next step in our longstanding commitment to provide Danish society and businesses with the digital tools, skills and infrastructure needed to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and job creation. We’re investing in Denmark’s digital leap into the future – all in a way that supports the country’s ambitious climate goals and economic recovery,” said Nana Bule, General Manager, Microsoft Denmark.

Speaking at the event, Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing and Operations, said, “Today’s announcement is the next big step in our commitment to Denmark, which started over 30 years ago. The cloud plays a critical role, supported by passionate people, to help create a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. As the world becomes more digital, it’s essential that citizens at all levels have the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy and society. This is why we’re committing to help upskill 200,000 Danes by 2024, contributing to the digital transformation of both public sector and industry in Denmark.”