Zurich, 29 August 2024 — Five years ago today, Microsoft launched its data centers in the Zurich and Geneva regions. Since then, the number of Swiss customers in the local data centers has grown from 30 early adopters to more than 50,000. Today, the Microsoft Cloud plays a central role for the Swiss economy.
By providing the Microsoft Cloud in Switzerland, Microsoft enables organizations to store data locally with the highest security and compliance standards. In the last five years, the number of locally available services has grown from less than 50 to more than 500. For example, Microsoft offers innovative AI services such as Azure OpenAI and Microsoft 365 Copilot with local data storage. With Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 with Teams, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, Microsoft Cloud Switzerland is a secure and highly available hyperscale cloud platform with guaranteed data residency within Switzerland’s borders.
The continued expansion of the local cloud infrastructure underscores Microsoft’s investment in Switzerland, enabling large companies, SMEs and start-ups across industries, as well as public sector organizations to become more competitive, innovative and sustainable. “Microsoft has been firmly anchored in the Swiss economy and society for 35 years,” said Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland. “We are delighted that so many customers trust our services, and we will continue to work with our partners and customers to support innovation and digital transformation in Switzerland.”
About Microsoft Switzerland
Microsoft operates four data centers in Switzerland, enabling customers to securely store data in the Microsoft Cloud. In close cooperation with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, Microsoft conducts research and development in its own Mixed Reality & AI Lab as well as in the Swiss Joint Research Center. In 2022, Microsoft Switzerland opened its Microsoft Innovation Hub at its new headquarters in The Circle at the Zurich Airport. This newly created space delivers immersive industry experiences and deep technical engagement focused on business outcomes for customers.
The company is governed by its 15 member Swiss Leadership Team, and has Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland, at the helm since May 2021. Together, with over 1,000 colleagues working in Bern, Geneva, and Zurich, the team is highly committed to furthering impactful cloud transformation strategies and partnerships for customers in Switzerland.
