Microsoft and Walmart are joining forces in a partnership that will see Walmart adopting Azure cloud services to "further accelerate" its retail digital transformation. Though Walmart already uses some Microsoft services, this expanded partnership will see the company expanding to tap into Microsoft's machine learning, AI, and data management solutions across its business.
Throughout the five-year agreement, Walmart plans to migrate "a significant portion" of its online presences at walmart.com and samsclub.com to Azure. Walmart will also leverage Microsoft's IoT solutions for everything from reducing energy usage with its refrigeration and HVAC units to optimizing routes for its supply trucks.
Microsoft 365 will also be rolled out to Walmart associates, giving them access to productivity tools like Workplace Analytics, OneDrive, and Microsoft Stream.
And in case there was any question, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed to The Wall Street Journal (via Engadget) that the two companies' rivalry with Amazon is "absolutely core" to the partnership. Though today's announcement doesn't make mention of it, Microsoft was recently rumored to be working on a way to use its AI to automate checkout at retail stores, with Walmart rumored as one of the tech giant's potential partners. If true, Microsoft and Walmart could be setting the stage to challenge Amazon Go, the online giant's physical store that uses AI to eliminate the need for cashiers and checkout lines.
This is the second major partnership announcement to come during the week of Microsoft's partner event, Inspire. Yesterday, the company announced it is teaming up with GE for a set of Azure integrations focused on Industrial IoT applications.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c and 8c deliver lower-cost ARM Windows PCs
Qualcomm is finally delivering Windows 10 on ARM chips for entry-level and mid-range laptops. The new Snapdragon 7c and 8c processors look to expand Qualcomm's PC portfolio starting in 2020. Here is what you need to know about these new chips and how they are positioned against the existing top-tier Snapdragon 8cx.
Review: CalDigit's USB-C Pro Dock is a well-built and versatile tool
Most docking stations make you choose whether you want to connect with USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3, but CalDigit's USB-C Pro Dock gives you the versatility of being compatible with all three. We tested it out to see if it's worth a buy.
Windows 10 build 19035 rolls out to Fast and Slow ring Insiders
Another new Windows 10 preview build is headed out to Insiders today. Both Slow and Fast ring Insiders can download build 19035, which brings another batch of fixes and improvements, but no new features.
Keep your Xbox One controller charged and ready with these battery options
Sick of standard AA battery cells? Try one of these great Xbox controller charging solutions instead.
