3M reaches a strategic partnership with Microsoft to jointly advance AI data center infrastructure and enterprise transformation

3M and Microsoft Reach Strategic Partnership to Build AI Era Data Center Infrastructure and New Paradigm for Enterprise Transformation

[San Pablo/Redmond] 3M and Microsoft today announced a strategic partnership aimed at jointly accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) data center infrastructure and enterprise transformation. This collaboration will integrate Microsoft's Azure cloud and AI infrastructure capabilities with 3M's materials science and precision manufacturing technologies to support the acceleration of AI applications and the physical network construction required for cloud and AI workloads.

Innovative AI Era Data Center Infrastructure Microsoft will leverage its Azure data center deployment to utilize 3M's proprietary Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) technology. EBO technology uses an expanded beam interface instead of the direct contact method required by traditional connectors, aiming to make fiber optic connections faster, more tolerant of contamination, and easier to maintain. This technology will help Microsoft ensure reliable optical performance in dense, high-capacity deployment environments while reducing the need for frequent cleaning and inspection. 3M is scaling up the production of EBO technology to meet the urgent demand for AI infrastructure from hyperscale data center operators. 3M has previously helped establish the EBO Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) to support the standardization and widespread adoption of this technology.

Cliff Henson, Microsoft Cloud Supply Chain and Engineering Vice President, stated: "At Microsoft, we are redefining the foundation of cloud and AI infrastructure—by combining innovation with partners like 3M to build faster deployment, more resilient cloud environments capable of running AI at scale."

Accelerating Enterprise AI Transformation 3M plans to deploy Microsoft's AI and digital capabilities in key functional areas of enterprise transformation, including customer service, finance, sales, and marketing. Specifically, the two companies are jointly developing AI-driven workflows to automate processes for 3M's global business service teams, such as order management, including credit checks, overdue assessments, and system updates. This initiative is designed to significantly reduce manual intervention, improve process speed and consistency, accelerate cash flow, and allow 3M employees to focus on higher-value work.

Jon Van Wyck, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at 3M, said: "We believe AI is a powerful tool for accelerating growth, improving customer experience, and enhancing team efficiency. Our partnership with Microsoft will support this vision by optimizing opportunities for enterprises and driving the construction of AI infrastructure."

Future Collaboration Outlook Microsoft and 3M plan to deepen this strategic partnership through continuous technological collaboration, alignment between engineering and business teams, and joint innovation in reliability, deployment speed, density, and long-term scalability to meet evolving AI demands. 3M's expertise in materials science, optical connectors, and manufacturing capabilities will be key to realizing this vision.About 3M 3M focuses on transforming solutions across global industries through applied science. 3M's interdisciplinary teams are dedicated to solving major customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence.

About Microsoft Microsoft is committed to providing innovative solutions through AI-empowered platforms and tools.