Strategic partnership on AI data center infrastructure
3M entered a strategic partnership with Microsoft focused on AI data center infrastructure, announced July 15, 2026.
Microsoft’s Azure Cloud and AI Infrastructure will be the first announced hyperscaler to deploy 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical technology in its data centers.
The optical connectivity rollout targets faster network builds, higher tolerance to contamination, reduced cleaning needs, improved reliability in dense deployments.
3M to use Microsoft AI and digital platforms
3M will use Microsoft’s AI and digital platforms to support enterprise transformation, with initial automation work in customer order management.
3M is scaling production of the optical technology to meet rising demand from hyperscalers, while backing industry standardization through an EBO MSA.
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