What actually happens inside a Microsoft data center?

We talked with Doug Hauger, general manager of the National Cloud Programs, to explain the scale and professionalism that Microsoft brings to its data centers for the benefit of Microsoft's cloud customers. Hauger explained how Microsoft builds multiple data centers in every region to provide a level of scale and redundancy that other cloud providers can't match.

Microsoft also invests in redundant power and multiple network connections at each data center. With more than 100 data centers in 34 regions, Microsoft has the scale to meet almost any need a customer could have. Microsoft is also the industry leader from a compliance and certification standpoint on both a global and local level.

When asked how is the cloud more secure today, Hauger responded by explaining how the monitoring, the multiple layers of security Microsoft has implemented and the level of professionalism of its staff and operations - which a typical company can't match—all contribute to a more secure cloud.

Microsoft uses its industry-leading expertise to create data center procedures that keep data safe. Access to Microsoft data centers is strictly controlled, and for companies with higher security needs, additional physical security elements such as video surveillance are added. Microsoft is always adding services to meet its customers' needs.

See the technologies that Microsoft has implemented to improve the efficiency of its data centers from about 50 percent of power used for overhead (such as cooling) to less than 10 percent (measured as power usage effectiveness (PUE) being reduced from 1.5 to 1.1). That increased efficiency is great for the environment, and it enables Microsoft to keep its prices lower for customers.

Article by the Microsoft Office 365 team