Microsoft acquires GreenButton cloud company
Instead of developing its own Azure cloud computing services in Australia and that part of the world, Microsoft bought one. The American giant announced it has acquired GreenButton company.
The US-New Zealand high-performance cloud-computing has been in close relations with Azure group, Microsoft's own cloud-computing service. GreenButton provides on-demand could solutions based on high intensity cloud burst technology. Tech enthusiasts say GreenButton will be incorporated into a bigger Microsoft Azure business, Microsoft announced the startup will remain, for now, in New Zealand.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced its own Azure services became available in Japan, but no word over its availability in Australia and some parts of Asia. With this move, Microsoft does not have to develop it's own Azure service because with this acquisition, most probably, Azure will become available in that part of the world.
GreenButton was funded in 2006 by Scott Houston. The startup grew fast and in 2013 it had offices in Seattle and San Jose, US and had tied links working with the US Department of Energy, Georgia State Archives and others. GreenButton was linked with Microsoft for years. In 2011, the American giant invested one million dollars in the company and it was a full time Azure partner.
Figures regarding the deal was undisclosed, but Microsoft confirmed GreenButton team will be transferred within the Azure team and the Wellington-based operations will be extended. Microsoft confirmed it will no longer sell GreenButton services to new customers, but focus on the integration of GreenButton within Azure in 2014.