Axel Springer Expands Partnership With Microsoft, Integrates Azure and AI

In a strategic move to advance its cloud-computing and AI capabilities, Axel Springer, the global news publisher behemoth, announced its collaboration with Microsoft to transition some of its cloud applications to the Azure platform. This decision came to light on Monday as Axel Springer leverages Microsoft's technology to innovate its offerings.

Transition to Microsoft Azure

Axel Springer aims to improve its technological infrastructure by shifting a portion of its cloud-based services to Microsoft's Azure. The migration underscores the news publisher's initiative to utilize Azure's robust cloud computing environment to refine its platform efficiencies and enhance its operational capabilities.

Embracement of Artificial Intelligence

The partnership also includes a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), as Axel Springer plans to integrate AI-driven experiences into its services. An example of this integration is the development of an AI-powered chat feature that will provide users with content from various Axel Springer brands.

As part of its AI endeavors, Axel Springer has developed an AI assistant known as 'Hey_', which is currently powered by Azure OpenAI Service. This AI assistant represents Axel Springer’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technological interactions to its consumers.

Monetization and Content Distribution

In addition to technological updates, Axel Springer will employ Microsoft Advertising's Chat Ads API for the monetization of its new chat-based features. The company's rich content catalog, including well-known brands like Politico, Business Insider, Bild, and Welt, is also set to be shared with audiences on Microsoft Start-MSN as part of the expanded agreement.

The growth of the alliance between Axel Springer and Microsoft can be traced back to a significant arrangement with OpenAI last December. The deal involved Axel Springer using OpenAI's technologies to generate summaries of content in response to prompts from the ChatGPT platform.

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