Microsoft has reiterated its resolve to resist any US government order to suspend operations at data centres in Europe, seeking to reassure European customers who are concerned that transatlantic tensions could cause service disruptions.
The company's president, Brad Smith, noted that it was not a topic being discussed by officials in Washington, but it was a “real problem” for Microsoft customers across Europe, including government agencies.
President Donald Trump has exacerbated tensions between the U.S. and Europe through his tariff-fueled trade war and raised concerns among European leaders over policy changes, including a suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, that call into question his administration's commitment to transatlantic relations.
Speaking at an event in Brussels, Mr Smith sought to allay concerns by announcing that the company was expanding its data centres across Europe.
“We want Europeans to know that they can count on us,” he said in his speech.
“In the unlikely event that any government anywhere in the world ever orders us to suspend or cease cloud operations in Europe, we are committed to Microsoft immediately and vigorously challenging such a decision using all available legal means, including legal action,” Mr. Smith wrote in a blog post on Wednesday.
He added that Microsoft has experience fighting lawsuits from previous Trump and Barack Obama administrations.
“If we ever lose, we will take steps to ensure business continuity,” including storing computer code in Switzerland that could be accessed by European partners, he said.
Microsoft is making five digital commitments in Europe, including increasing the capacity of its data centres by 40 in 16 countries over the next two years, Mr Smith said.
Expansion will require tens of billions of dollars annually.
Mr Smith declined to provide a more specific figure when asked by reporters.
The expansion comes amid calls in Europe to assert sovereignty over technology and data, moving away from reliance on major US cloud providers including Microsoft, Amazon and, to a lesser extent, Google.
“Given recent geopolitical instability, we understand that European governments will likely consider additional options,” and Microsoft is committed to working with European companies, Mr. Smith added.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
