Microsoft inks deal with ClearSky Data for Server Message Block (SMB) technology

Microsoft announced today a licensing agreement with enterprise storage company ClearSky Data. With the new partnership, ClearSky will be able to leverage Microsoft’s Server Message Block (SMB) file transport technology for its cloud-based storage solutions.

By licensing its SMB intellectual property to ClearSky, Microsoft is making it possible for users to seamlessly move data between ClearSky’s service and Windows tools. “This agreement demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to licensing our SMB intellectual property to enable innovative cloud solutions that integrate with the Windows ecosystem,” said Micky Minhas, head of Microsoft Technology Licensing.

In the press release, ClearSky CTO and co-founder Laz Vekiarides said that “our partnership with Microsoft offers ClearSky Data the opportunity to provide a more robust network file sharing protocol for our enterprise customers moving to the cloud. This will help our customers get to the cloud seamlessly and more easily access their programs and efficiently manage their data, which is key to the success of their cloud operations.”