Microsoft has inaugurated its first cloud region in Spain, located in the Community of Madrid. This new infrastructure will provide advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud services to businesses and public entities, facilitating their digital transformation and the development of the AI Economy in the country.
Economic and Labor Impact
According to an IDC report, Microsoft’s infrastructure in Spain will have a significant impact on the national economy, adding 10.7 billion euros to the GDP and contributing to the creation of nearly 77,000 jobs between 2024 and 2030. This investment, which will reach $2.1 billion in the period 2024-2025, responds to the growing demand for AI and cloud solutions by Spanish organizations.
Cutting-Edge Services and Technology
The cloud region, named Spain Central, will offer the most modern productivity, data analytics, cybersecurity, computing, and storage services, including Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform. Generative AI services will also be provided, positioning this region among the most advanced in Europe in terms of technology and capacity.
Security and Sustainability
Microsoft has designed its data centers in the Community of Madrid to meet high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. These centers are certified with LEED Gold level and will use renewable biofuels to reduce carbon emissions. Direct evaporative cooling, which uses outside air, will reduce water usage by 15% of the operating time.
Furthermore, the new Spain Central region has obtained certification from CCN-CERT for the National Security Scheme (ENS) at its High Level, ensuring the reliability, security, and privacy of data for its customers.
Notable Statements
Jean-Philippe Courtois, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President, emphasized the importance of this infrastructure in the company’s European AI strategy. Alberto Granados, President of Microsoft Spain, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Spain’s digital development, while José Luis Escrivá, Minister for Digital Transformation, praised Microsoft’s contribution to positioning Spain at the forefront of digital transformation.
Collaboration and Community Development
Microsoft has established strategic alliances with multiple partners and has launched free training programs for the unemployed, impacting over 400,000 people. They have also collaborated on reforestation and sustainable water resource management projects in the Community of Madrid.
Among the customers already benefiting from the services of the new cloud region are companies and entities such as Abanca, Banco Santander, BBVA, Repsol, and the Community of Madrid. Additionally, ten strategic partners, including Accenture, Capgemini, and Telefónica Tech, have joined Microsoft’s Strategic Partners Program to support the migration of workloads to the new cloud infrastructure.
The opening of the Spain Central cloud region marks a milestone in Spain’s digitalization, providing organizations with the necessary tools to innovate and compete in the global economy.