In recent weeks, Microsoft has joined hands with several companies through cloud-based alliances. After extending its health partnership with Allscripts, the tech giant announced an Azure-centric collaboration with C.H. Robinson, following that up with a partnership with Citrix that works toward reimagining the workplace of the future.
Today, Microsoft has unveiled a strategic cloud-based alliance with U.S.-based finance firm MSCI, with the aim to "accelerate innovation among the global investment industry".
As is often the case in such partnerships, MSCI will be migrating its existing products and services to the Azure platform, choosing Microsoft as its preferred cloud provider. Initially the firm's index and analytics solutions will be transferred; these will then be followed by environmental, social and governance (ESG) products, real estate data and solutions, and finally, its risk analytics platform Beon.
Scott Guthrie, Executive VP of Cloud and AI at Microsoft, commented on the benefits that will be brought about through this collaboration, noting:
"Investors rely on cutting-edge technologies to deliver intelligent insights, manage risk and detect anomalies so they can help customers achieve their investment goals. By harnessing the power of Azure and its AI capabilities, together with MSCI’s expertise and position within the investment ecosystem, we will be able to accelerate new innovations that help investors better optimize their clients’ performance capabilities."
Henry Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI, noted how the partnership signifies the firm's "commitment to driving relentless innovation". Both companies will also be exploring opportunities that align with their respective sustainability goals. Climate risk and ESG solutions that utilize Azure, the Power Platform, and MSCI's capabilities, could be leveraged in the future to help investors comprehend the effect of climate change on businesses.
