Microsoft and FedEx announce partnership that will ‘transform commerce’

Microsoft and FedEx announced a multiyear partnership that will see the companies collaborate in the commerce sector. The collaboration brings together the intelligent cloud from Microsoft and the logistics network of FedEx to improve commerce tracking for companies. In a joint announcement post, FedEx and Microsoft state that the collaboration will “help transform commerce,” adding that the companies “aim to create opportunities for their customers through multiple joint offerings powered by Azure and Dynamics 365 that will use data and analytics solutions to reinvent the most critical aspects of the commerce experience and enable businesses to better compete in today’s increasingly digital landscape.”

“Now more than ever, organizations are counting on an efficient and capable supply chain to remain competitive and open for business,” said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, adding, “Together with FedEx, we will apply the power of Azure, Dynamics 365 and their AI capabilities to this urgent need, building new commerce experiences that transform logistics for our mutual customers around the world.”

The first solution to come as a result of the collaboration is FedEx Surround. This solution allows businesses to leverage data to provide near-real-time analytics to shipment tracking. FedEx Surround will help businesses be more efficient when it comes to inventory management. It can provide near-real-time insights down to areas as specific as ZIP codes.

Microsoft’s Nadella and FedEx CEO and chairman Fred Smith joined each other on a video Q&A that covers the partnership. Smith breaks down FedEx Surround, including the fact that businesses can see the fact that inventory stored in one location that isn’t selling in that area is in demand in another area. As a result, companies can then move inventory around to meet demand.