What's Microsoft Doing In Taiwan?

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT)'s Taiwan branch announced its "Internet of Things" (IoT) partners following the global launch of its Azure IoT suite in March, according to a report by Want ChinaTimes.

Microsoft opened its Azure IoT Solutions Lab in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, at the end of March. The company's partners include Wistron, BenQ, Advantech, BungBungame, Metalligence Technology, Secom, Mooredoll.

Local Taiwanese firm Wistron will co-operate the Azure IoT Solutions Lab platform and the future development for applications and management service. BenQ will provide expertise in smart production, smart education, smart medical, smart enterprise and smart energy, including 30 solutions and 10 hardware equipment.

"Taiwan has mature IT environment, especially for IoT that requires remote sensing techniques and the prevalence of internet-based devices," said Roan Kang, the IoT Lead for Microsoft Greater China Region. "With the help of Azure IoT Suite, it cuts the deployment time to apply IoT solutions."

Internet of Things refers to the network of physical objects, or "things," embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity to enable it to achieve greater value and service by exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator and/or other connected devices.

The growth of the IoT market is expected to surge as the number of installed and connected devices will exceed 30 billion units in 2020 in 50 billion units just 30 years after. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO)'s John Chambers pegged the IoT market as a $19 trillion opportunity in a speech he delivered in 2014.