Friday, December 10, 2010

Microsoft Backs Australian Research Effort

Microsoft Corp. said last night that it is backing the efforts of several Australian research organizations, focused on the use of its cloud computing technology for scientific research. Microsoft said it has partnered with Engagement Initiative launched earlier this year. Representatives from National ICT Australia (NICTA), The Australian National University (ANU), and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), to help provide access to advanced client and cloud computing resources from Microsoft. Microsoft said the partnerships will provide three years of free access to the Windows Azure cloud computing platform, plus technical support and access to tools developed by the firm. Microsoft said the groups are working on projects that include analyzing online social networks, geophysical imaging, computation chemistry, and other scientific applications. Microsoft already has similar deals with the National Science Foundation in the US, plus groups in Japan and Europe.