Microsoft Plans to Invest $2.9 Billion to Improve AI and Cloud Infra in Japan
- Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
- Fact-Checked by
Microsoft plans to invest $2.9 billion to bolster its AI and cloud infrastructure in Japan. The 10 April announcement marks the largest commitment made by the company in its 46-year history of operating in Japan.
To facilitate the growing uptake of artificial intelligence technologies, Microsoft has been strategically investing in expanding its global data and cloud infrastructure. Earlier in February 2024, the company disclosed a $3.4 billion investment aimed at improving its cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Germany.
“Today’s announcement represents Microsoft’s most significant investment in Japan since we set roots here in 1978. These investments in digital infrastructure, AI skills, cybersecurity, and AI research are essential ingredients for Japan to build a robust AI Economy,” Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said in the press announcement.
In addition to infrastructure, Microsoft will also be expanding its digital training program in the country. The company plans to provide AI skill training to 3 million full- and part-time workers across Japan over the next 3 years. It will also establish Japan’s first Microsoft Research Asia lab in Tokyo.
With these plans and its continued support of programs promoting the adoption and application of AI tools, the company aims to become an AI powerhouse in the country.
“The steps we are taking today to empower Japanese citizens through AI technologies and programs—whether job training and skilling, improvements to infrastructure capacity, or new research investments—will, in the aggregate, help accelerate this process of beneficial innovation,” Kevin Scott, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of AI at Microsoft said in a statement.
Disney Plus to Launch Password Sharing Fee, CEO Confirms
- Written by Elijah Ugoh Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
Until now, it’s common for passwords to be frequently shared among friends and family, which is outside of Disney’s definition of a household.
“We feel great about the engagement of those Disney subs who are not getting Hulu who are now watching more programs that were on Hulu, including Shogun,” Iger commented to CNBC. He emphasized the importance of technological tools, such as recommendation engines, in fostering customer loyalty and reducing churn.
In addition to addressing password sharing, Disney is working to unify user identities across its streaming platforms, which will help it enforce the new policy. “As pointed out by my colleague David Pierce, Disney is also working to ‘unify identities so that who you are on the Hulu app is connected to who you are on Disney Plus and ESPN and your cable box’ — a vital tool for a password-sharing crackdown.”
Iger outlined ambitious plans for Disney’s streaming business, including the development of a streaming-only version of ESPN , with profitability targeted by the end of the fiscal year.
