Microsoft Corp - MSFT STOCK NEWS

Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Microsoft announced a strategic partnership to enhance cloud-based workflows for live-action and animation productions. This collaboration aims to facilitate remote content creation, leveraging Microsoft's Azure platform. The partnership is also a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, streamlining production efforts across the industry. By integrating DreamWorks Animation's technology with Azure, they plan to improve digital resources and enable efficient collaboration among creatives.

On August 11, 2020, Standard Chartered Bank and Microsoft announced a three-year partnership aimed at advancing the bank's digital transformation through a cloud-first strategy. This collaboration will leverage Microsoft Azure to transition key banking applications to the cloud by 2025, enhancing operational efficiency, agility, and customer service. The initiative includes adopting AI and data analytics to personalize client experiences and improve banking processes. Additionally, Microsoft 365 and Teams will facilitate workplace productivity for over 84,000 employees across 60 markets.

Recorded Future has partnered with Microsoft Azure to enhance security operations for cloud environments. This collaboration allows clients to utilize Recorded Future’s threat intelligence within Microsoft services such as Azure Sentinel and Defender ATP. The integration aims to improve threat detection, prevention, and alert triage, ultimately increasing security efficiency and reducing operational disruptions. Key benefits include a 50% reduction in due diligence time and a 25% improvement in threat visibility. The partnership is designed to empower organizations to adapt swiftly to evolving security challenges.

Microsoft has licensed the Crowe Lease Accounting Optimizer for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance, a solution aimed at improving lease accounting processes. This tool helps users automate lease accounting and comply with FASB ASC 842 and IFRS 16 standards. Crowe, a recognized leader in accounting and technology, will support existing users and continue providing digital accounting solutions. The software estimates present values, measures right-of-use assets, calculates journal entries, and generates necessary reports, streamlining compliance efforts for companies managing leased assets.

On July 27, 2020, PepsiCo and Microsoft announced a five-year partnership designating Microsoft as PepsiCo's preferred cloud provider. This collaboration will enhance PepsiCo's infrastructure and data management through Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Teams, benefiting its 270,000 employees worldwide. The partnership aims to boost operational goals and innovation, ensuring timely delivery of products amid rising consumer demand. PepsiCo generated over $67 billion in net revenue in 2019, emphasizing the significance of this alliance in driving efficiencies across its supply chain.

Microsoft has released its fiscal year 2020 fourth-quarter financial results, now available on its Investor Relations website. The company emphasizes its role in driving digital transformation and supporting organizations worldwide. The earnings call is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time, with a live webcast accessible via the Investor Relations site. For detailed earnings information, the press release can be viewed online.

On July 21, 2020, nine leading companies, including Microsoft, launched the Transform to Net Zero initiative to accelerate the transition to a net-zero global economy by 2050. The initiative aims to provide research, guidance, and roadmaps for businesses to achieve net-zero emissions. Founding members include A.P. Moller - Maersk, Danone, and Unilever. The initiative emphasizes transformation across corporate strategies, governance, and sustainable practices with outputs expected by 2025.

Microsoft Corp. has entered a strategic, multiyear cloud agreement with Finastra to boost digital transformation in financial services. This collaboration aims to support over 3,000 financial institutions via Azure, enhancing technology use in banking. Finastra's open developer platform, FusionFabric.cloud, will facilitate innovation, while Microsoft tools like Azure and Office 365 will drive operational efficiencies. The partnership aligns both companies’ visions for a digital-first financial future, potentially increasing productivity and client engagement.

On July 13, 2020, Microsoft announced the winners and finalists of its 2020 Partner of the Year Awards, celebrating partners who excelled in innovative customer solutions using Microsoft technology. Over 3,300 nominations were received globally, with ten new categories introduced, including the Community Response Award for partners aiding local communities during the pandemic. Winners will be recognized at the digital Microsoft Inspire event from July 21-22, 2020. This initiative reflects Microsoft's commitment to empowering organizations worldwide through technological innovation.