As it joins the Open Compute Project, Microsoft can now show the world the custom server and storage designs that power its global armada of more than 1 million servers. Here's a closer look.

In a dramatic move that illustrates how cloud computing has altered the data center landscape, Microsoft is opening up the server and rack designs that power its vast online platforms and sharing them with the world.

Microsoft has announced a major expansion of its Dublin data center, which serves as the primary delivery hub for its cloud computing services for Europe. The company will spend $230 million to add 169,000 square feet of space.

Microsoft wants to bring power generation inside the rack, and make data centers cheaper and greener in the process. The company says it will test racks with built-in fuel cells, a move that would eliminate the need for expensive power...

Microsoft has begun purchasing renewable energy to support its data center infrastructure, signing a 20-year power purchase agreement for wind energy in Texas that will be funding in part by proceed from Microsoft’s carbon fee.

Colocation provider Equinix (EQIX) has announced a key step towards the stated goal of providing customers with more connections: a strategic relationship with Microsoft (MSFT) that will enable customers in Equinix data centers to connect directly...