Microsoft 365 Multi-GEO
What is Microsoft 365 multi-Geo?
Microsoft 365 Multi-Geo capabilities address concerns of data residency requirements for enterprises with an international presence. multi-Geo gives flexibility to choose where data is stored. For more information see Microsoft’s site on multi-Geo.
Background
Local authorities have been introducing an increasing amount of regulations to address data privacy issues. These requirements restrict the free flow of information across borders, and multi-national enterprises face the challenge of digitally transforming their organisation using the cloud while adhering to their local regulatory and legal requirements.
Centralisation and consistency
One centralised Microsoft 365 tenant while meeting local data regulations
Consistent collaborative experience regardless of region or country
Business enablement
Provides flexibility for large global enterprises operating in multiple regions and countries
Unified experience globally regardless of local data regulations
Simplified IT management
Single pane of glass for administrative tasks and workflows
Policy management applied at global, regional, and territory levels
Security and compliance
Granular controls for Microsoft 365 data at-rest
In-geo data residency, business continuity, and disaster recovery
Company owned, and managed encryption keys can be used for Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) encryption of all data at rest in Microsoft 365 multi-geo application services such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business.
Locations are chosen as Preferred Data Locations and operate within a specified region or country (if available) based on preference. Microsoft is continually expanding the supported regions and territories, please click here for the overview of available geo locations.
Companies firms with highly regulated jurisdictions often require:
Financial information to be stored within borders
Protections against subpoenas by foreign governments