Microsoft targets to spread cloud computing in Turkey: Country chief

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

Microsoft is determined to spread the use of cloud computing in Turkey, where a digital transformation has already begun in several sectors of the economy, the tech giant’s senior executive in the country has said.

“We give the highest priority to cloud computing due to the advancing technology. We believe that cloud computing is the technology of the future,” Murat Kansu, the head of Microsoft Turkey, told state-run Anadolu Agency on March 7.

“Microsoft is one of the leading companies in cloud computing, and we’re doing our best to make it widespread in Turkey.”

Kansu said that for 25 years now the tech company has been trying to raise awareness among Turkish public and private institutions of the benefits of digital technology and software.

Cloud computing, in which users rely on remote, shared resources rather than local servers or devices, ensures a “great democratization” and is “very useful,” he said, as it enables companies anywhere — including those in Turkey — to use the same technologies as in more developed countries.

“It provides great equality. It’s also critical for us to go further,” he said.

Cybersecurity

Kansu said the development of cloud computing will also add to the importance of cybersecurity.

“With the development of cloud computing, cybersecurity will become more important since our customers’ data is under our protection,” he added.

He said Microsoft has allocated more than $1 billion for cybersecurity research and development.

“Microsoft sees security as the first priority, and everything else falls under this main principle,” he added.

Kansu also said a digital transformation has started in several sectors in Turkey such as the media, music and travel, adding: “We’re heading in the right direction, but we need to do more.”

He said Turkey needs a digital transformation strategy.

“It’s important not to fear new technologies. I believe it’s critical to use technologies like cloud computing.”

Instead of always using traditional technologies, Turkey should be an “innovator” and support the development of new technologies, he said.