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SAS and Microsoft partner for local cloud services

Managed Services

Business Honor
16 October, 2024

Microsoft and SAS partner to offer local, cloud-based managed services in New Zealand.

Microsoft and SAS have announced a strategic agreement to host SAS software and managed services in Microsoft's local hyperscale cloud region in New Zealand, marking the first time SAS will host data onshore. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing SAS's service offerings to local businesses and organizations by leveraging Microsoft's Azure cloud infrastructure.

SAS is the leader in data and AI that has been providing managed services across more than 20 regions around the globe, but this capability was never extended to be able to host services in New Zealand. With Microsoft's hyperscale cloud region in New Zealand, SAS can offer its customers the benefit of local data services in the country to improve security, latency, and resiliency. This is particularly important for government agencies and enterprises that are keen on data residency, which is in line with the growing demand for cloud-first solutions.

Campbell Johns, who is the MD of SAS in New Zealand noted that cloud native applications and that the ability of storing data shores are important things, adding: "SAS has made immense investments to fill the growing gaps for cloud-based services." Thus, as increasingly more customers onshore New Zealand move to clouds, this particular agreement will offer SAS the leeway to serve its customers enhanced managed services characterized by better compliances and improved environmental sustenance. The region's green credentials are also a key benefit, allowing SAS to offer tools that help businesses meet ESG requirements.

Already, several New Zealand organizations such as government agencies have adopted the cloud solutions provided by SAS. For example, the Department of Corrections is employing SAS Viya for data and analytics. A partnership between SAS and Microsoft would drive a kind of digital transformation across industries in New Zealand, with businesses being enabled to have what they need for better productivity, decision-making, and innovation.

This move further cements SAS's position as a global leader in cloud-based managed services, with Microsoft Azure as its key hosting partner.