TOKYO (Nikkei)–Fujitsu Ltd. (FJTSY, 6702.TO) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) will share data centers worldwide in a bid to catch up to Google Inc. (GOOG) and other pioneers in the business of providing software and computing services online, the Nikkei reported Friday. The effort will combine Microsoft software with Fujitsu customer service to speed both firms’ expansion into cloud computing. Fujitsu operates 90 or so data centers in 16 countries. As early as this year, it will begin hosting Microsoft cloud services at its Tatebayashi center in Gunma Prefecture. It plans to do the same at locations in the U.S., the
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Local companies are hoping to help the federal government move into cloud — or Internet-based — computing, as the General Services Administration prepares to select approved vendors. GSA has issued a request for quotes, open to companies on its information technology schedule, to provide the cloud infrastructure. After reviewing the bids — due June 30 — GSA will select contractors that federal agencies can then draw on for cloud services. Through cloud computing, agencies can access a pool of Internet-based resources, such as networks, servers and applications, rather than invest in computing infrastructure. The technology can then be used on
