| | June 201519CIOReview"Being customer centric is not a checklist but a state of mindor OpenStack. Today, Microsoft builds and runs its own hyper-scale data centers and delivers that same technology back to customers' and partners' data centers.Microsoft also believes in fostering a strong partner network, investing heavily in their partners' success which in turn invokes world class customer results. In support of their partners, Microsoft hosts the Supplier Program (MSP) Excellence Awards which recognizes superior performance, exemplary service and innovation by suppliers. In addition, keeping in mind its rich partner ecosystem, Microsoft has altered the Internal Use Rights (IUR) for Office 365, Windows Intune, Azure, and CRM Online. Now, partners with a Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS) as well as those with a Silver or Gold competency can enjoy access to free IUR licenses.Nadella's Big Audacious GoalArmed with the right capability and clarity to reinvent productivity and platforms for the mobile-first and cloud-first world, Microsoft is looking at a massive cultural shift to drive this change. This involves an altered perception of data culture--one that encourages curiosity, action and experimentation, and an environment of ambient intelligence. Stressing on the importance of innovation over tradition in a software powered world, Microsoft is set to revolutionize the IT industry with its new found goal of maximizing cloud impact. Aptly put by Nadella that, "we are the only company who can harness the power of software and deliver it through devices and services that truly empower every individual and every organization." With such bold ambitions steering the company, it looks as though the road ahead chartered by Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates two decades ago is being reinstalled with a new vision by Nadella. While Gate's dream at the dawn of the digital era to equip every household with a personal computer stands achieved, Nadella's acuity to reinvent productivity while empowering every person and organization on the planet to do more and achieve more with cloud seems at the brink of attainment.Satya Nadella,CEO
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