Microsoft launches UK data centres for Office 365 and Azure

Microsoft has launched its UK datacentres for Azure and Office 365, with data centres in London, Durham, and Cardiff between them hosting Office 365 services including Exchange Online and SharePoint Online, as well as services in the Azure platform.

The new datacentre locations will enable companies who have specific UK data residency requirements to ensure data remains within the country. This will also be a good option for those who, even if they may not legally be required to keep data in the UK, may have customers who dictate data residency through their supply chain.

As previously revealed at Microsoft’s Future Decoded conference, the UK’s Ministry of Defence is among the leading organisations now migrating their systems into Microsoft’s cloud. Others include Aston Martin and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Previously, most Office 365 and Azure customers in the UK will have used data centres in Dublin and Amsterdam.

More local storage of data has become more desirable in the wake of the Edward Snowden revelations, uncertainty about the UK’s relationship with the EU following the Brexit vote, and changes in the status of US-EU Safe Harbour agreements.

ComputerWorld has extensive experience in helping customers to migrate to Office 365. Our own dedicated microsite, migrate365.co.uk, includes further resources and information on how to approach your Office 365 project and how we can help.