This map details the spread of Azure data centers across the world

Source: Microsoft

Have you ever wondered how far Microsoft's cloud actually spreads?

Microsoft's Azure cloud platform leads the future for Redmond now, beating Windows and all of the company's "classic" products as the centerpiece of its growing business. The "cloud," as it is affectionately known, has led to a huge boom in Microsoft's market cap, with some analysts predicting it could lead the company to that fabled $1 trillion dollar mark before Google or Apple.

Microsoft shouts loud and proud that up to 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies are utilizing Azure cloud services over Amazon and other services. That figure includes huge players like Adobe, HP, and Dell, and it powers Microsoft systems like Office 365 and Xbox Live.

Speaking of Xbox, as Microsoft ramps up its Game Pass service and looks to the future of streaming, both across Mixer and the possibility of a Netflix-like cloud game streaming service, I wondered just how far Azure would be able to stretch to provide a quality service. Streaming game services like the now-defunct OnLive and PlayStation's own "Now" service suffer from poor latency between client and service, creating a generally poor experience.

The physical locations of Azure data centers will go some way to improve the latency for these sorts of features, and judging by the spread of Azure across the globe, I'd say Microsoft is better positioned than most to deliver these sorts of systems.

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