Microsoft becomes the first global cloud service provider for the Indian state of Punjab

The Department of Governance Reform of Punjab, a state in northern India, has entered in agreements for offering cloud services in the state. Microsoft is the first global cloud service provider to get empaneled for offering cloud services in the state for a period of three years.

The department has empaneled four Microsoft partners in its Cloud Services Directory, allowing government departments and agencies in Punjab to choose Microsoft Cloud to advance their digital transformation and optimize IT operations.

The state’s Land Records Information System and E-Sewa (previously called SUWIDHA – Single User-Friendly Windows Disposal & Helpline for applicants) will soon migrate onto the Microsoft Azure platform.

Microsoft played a key role in the enhancement and efficient delivery of citizenship services in the state and also supports the State Data Center of Punjab.

Microsoft, the only provider of services across all three clouds in the country – private, public, and hybrid cloud, was the first global public cloud service provider to be accredited by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) and has three datacenters within the country – in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai.

According to Parminder Pal Singh, PCS, Director of Governance Reforms, Punjab, the next step of growth will be to move beyond just the Internet and leverage the power of the cloud and hopes Microsoft’s cloud technology will provide transformational e-governance services and financial inclusion opportunities to lakhs of people across Punjab.