3M and Microsoft Form Partnership for AI Infrastructure and Enterprise Transformation

Jul 16, 2026
3M and Microsoft have entered a strategic partnership to enhance AI data center infrastructure and drive enterprise transformation. The collaboration combines 3M's Expanded Beam Optical technology with Microsoft's Azure Cloud and AI Infrastructure.

3M and Microsoft Corporation have announced a strategic partnership focused on AI data center infrastructure and enterprise transformation, according to a press release. The agreement will see Microsoft's Azure Cloud and AI Infrastructure deploy 3M's Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) technology to improve data center performance and reliability.

3M's EBO technology is designed to enhance fiber connectivity by reducing installation time and maintenance efforts. This integration aims to strengthen physical networks that support cloud and AI workloads, contributing to higher efficiency and speed in data operations.

As part of the collaboration, 3M will use Microsoft's AI and digital platforms across its internal operations. The adoption will span business areas including customer service, finance, sales, and marketing, with the goal of improving enterprise processes through AI and automation.

Both companies expect the partnership to accelerate AI adoption within enterprise operations while improving the scalability and reliability of cloud infrastructure.

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