The cloud-based Office 365 platform was launched by Microsoft Malta yesterday, in a press conference which also served to announce Smart Technologies Ltd as a Microsoft strategic partner.

Cloud computing involves the use of computing resources over the network, and through subscription packages aimed for businesses of different sizes, Office 365 allows users to access their applications and documents from anywhere simply by signing in to their account.

“It is Microsoft’s next-generation cloud productivity service for businesses of all sizes with the potential to fuel business and economic transformation by delivering cost-effective, flexible access to IT,” Microsoft Malta segment manager Kevin Schembri said.

Smart Technologies, which was set up in 2008, specialises in outsourcing and leasing IT equipment to companies, and accordingly, it believes that Office 365 complements its business.

“Smart Technologies was one of the first local IT companies to have invested in the training of its resources in line with the Microsoft Office 365 offerings to be able to help our customers make the transition to this new technology platform as seamless as possible,” business development manager Chris Demicoli said.

He added that the Microsoft offering would help “customers make their IT spend more predictable and at the same time affordable since no upfront capital investment is required. All this is also backed up by the professional service level arrangements offered by our skilled resources.”

The press conference was attended by Small Business Minister Jason Azzopardi, who welcomed the collaboration between a local company and a global enterprise in his address.

He said that it was clear that the local IT industry was realising its potential and was growing, and augured that SmartCity Malta – where the press conference was held – would prove to be a successful IT hub.