Microsoft announces cloud partnership with Symantec
Microsoft has announced a partnership between its Azure cloud network and cybersecurity provider Symantec. Under the deal, Symantec's Norton products will be made available to more than 50 million customers worldwide, and the company will also migrate its payment systems to Azure to make purchasing of its products easier. Microsoft is seeking to enhance its role as a provider of cloud services to businesses, and recently unveiled a range of new cloud-related features.

Dive Brief:

Microsoft announced its cloud partnership with cybersecurity provider Symantec to bring its Norton products to more than 50 million international consumers, according to a company announcement on Monday.

Symantec is working towards hybrid cloud strategies and enlisting Microsoft's Azure cloud is meant to reduce Symantec's overall operational expenses. Thus far the security software provider has migrated 105 "critical consumer digital safety capabilities" to Azure. It has also set up real-time reports on finances, operations and adoption-related security.

Symantec will eventually move its e-commerce system to the Azure cloud to ease the purchase of Norton products online. There are also plans to implement Azure Container Services, ML and PaaS for Symantec's entire IT strategy and operations.

Dive Insight:

Microsoft is more than familiar provider for the enterprise and a major name adopting its technology is a notable feat. Symantec, known for its security software, has entrusted Microsoft in securing its operational and workload data.

As the second leading global cloud providers, Microsoft is pushing to be the place for enterprises' IT solutions. Last month Microsoft announced a slew of new features at Ignite including hybrid cloud offerings to ease migration efforts. Cloud-based security protocols were added to its platform including a reduction in workload management and anti-phishing solutions for Office 365.

Symantec is aware of the changing landscape of cybersecurity and the aggressive approaches needed to stay relevant and secure. In the midst of its security and reputational reinvention, Symantec's partnership with Microsoft is a clear feather in Azure's cap.