Microsoft signs 16 public sector cloud contracts

Microsoft says it's seeing rapid adoption of cloud services in the US among government and education organisations.

In a keynote address at Microsoft’s US Public Sector CIO Summit, Curt Kolcun, VP of Public Sector at Microsoft US, explained "Public sector organisations are looking for enterprise-grade cloud solutions, and that means providing high levels of security, functionality and support.

"We’re seeing government and education organisations of every size and dimension using Microsoft cloud solutions to help reduce costs and increase productivity in support of their missions.”

In addition to cost savings Microsoft says that people are buying into its cloud for the added security features.

The 16 new contracts included deals with Portland Public Schools, Oregon; University at Albany — SUNY; Fashion Institute of Technology — SUNY; Vanderbilt University; City of Alexandria, Va.; City of Virginia Beach, Va.; and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians tribal government in southern Alabama.