Microsoft has launched CityNext, a global initiative that enables cities to innovate by tapping a Microsoft partner network of more than 430,000 technology experts.
According to Microsoft, CityNext allows cities to enable new capabilities using flexible cloud services, empower city employees with enterprise-grade devices and apps, and innovate on their terms with modern solutions and big data platforms.
CityNext brings together solutions, devices and services that can connect and transform a variety of city functions, including energy and water; buildings, planning and infrastructure; transportation; public safety and justice; tourism, recreation and culture; education; health and social services; and government administration.
Through CityNext, Barcelona in Spain has harnessed cloud, data and apps to enhance administrative operations, interact with citizens and make information transparent. For example, Microsoft and CityNext partner BISmart worked with the Barcelona City Council to launch OpenData BCN, an initiative to make data accessible to the public.
Other cities that are taking up CityNext include Auckland (New Zealand), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Hainan province and Zhengzhou (China), Hamburg (Germany), Manchester (England), Moscow (Russia), and Philadelphia (US)
This article originally posted on Asia Cloud Forum
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