Microsoft Azure Strengthens ‘Big Compute’ Muscle with Acquisition of Kiwi Start-Up GreenButton
Microsoft Corporation today announced that it has acquired GreenButton, a successful New Zealand software start-up that
specialises in high performance cloud computing. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
For Microsoft, the acquisition will further bolster Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s public cloud offering, underscoring the
company’s commitment to Big Compute in the cloud. GreenButton’s advanced technology solutions are used to running
compute intensive applications in the cloud. Some of its largest customers include US-based companies Pixar, NASA and
Boeing.
“Data and computation are driving businesses today—but as data volume, variety and velocity continue to explode, our
customers need help processing massive amounts of information and running compute-intensive simulations for a growing
number of applications,” says Mike Neil, Director of Program Management for Microsoft Azure.
“This need is met by Big Compute, and that is why today we are excited to be welcoming GreenButton into the Azure
family. With GreenButton’s tools integrated into Microsoft Azure, we will provide solutions that allow anyone to harness
the power of the cloud.”
In addition to integrating GreenButton’s intellectual property into the Azure platform, Microsoft will retain and invest
in the team and infrastructure, which will remain in New Zealand after the acquisition.
“At Microsoft, we invest in growing tech talent in New Zealand from education through to entrepreneurs through a wide
range of programs,” says Paul Muckleston, Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand.
“This includes our BizSpark program, which more than 700 New Zealand based companies have benefitted from since its
inception, including GreenButton. This is a clear indication that New Zealand is producing world-class, scalable
technology solutions.”
Founder and CEO of GreenButton Scott Houston, says Microsoft’s purchase is great news for the GreenButton team, their
investors and other New Zealand companies.
“We have enjoyed an incredibly supportive relationship with Microsoft for many years, from their support through
BizSpark, to being one of their global technology award winners,” he says.
"This purchase is a real shot in the arm for other New Zealand companies. It shows that if you take your ideas to the
world stage, Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft might just notice. It happened to us, so it's entirely possible it
could happen for other Kiwi start-ups.”
ENDS