According to the Nikkei July 10 morning edition, Fujitsu and Microsoft are planning to share data centers worldwide in a bid to catch up to the world's Cloud computing pioneers in the business of providing software and computing services online.

The two companies are considering joint investment in new data centers, the Nikkei reported. In the meantime, the report added, Fujitsu will begin to host Microsoft cloud services at its Tatebayashi center in Gunma Prefecture.

In a news release timed to coincide with its WPC (Worldwide Partners Conference), Microsoft confirmed on July 12:

"Fujitsu will deliver a comprehensive set of new cloud services and solutions, including system integration, cloud migration and managed services, to customers and independent software vendors (ISVs). Fujitsu will also run its own applications on the Windows Azure platform appliance.

The new Fujitsu cloud services and solutions based on the Windows Azure platform will be available first in Fujitsu’s datacenters in Japan, starting at the Fujitsu Tatebayashi System Center by the end of 2010, to be followed by other locations around the world. In addition to the appliance, Fujitsu will be providing services on the Windows Azure platform to customers on a global basis

“Fujitsu has a vision of a prosperous, human-centric, intelligent, networked society, and this strategic global partnership with Microsoft is a major step forward in being able to realize this,” said Kazuo Ishida, corporate senior executive vice president, responsible for ICT Services Business, Fujitsu. “Through this alliance, we are providing our customers with a new array of possibilities in cloud computing. Our partnership with Microsoft truly reflects Fujitsu’s cloud strategy and will no doubt break new ground in contributing to the creation of an IT-networked society.”