Microsoft is joining the fight against Ebola

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella seems like an unlikely player in the fight against Ebola. But Microsoft’s top executive unveiled a new Azure-powered research initiative aimed at furthering Ebola research along with other updates to its cloud platforms during a press event in San Francisco on Monday. During the enterprise-focused event, Nadella again reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to being “cloud first and mobile first,” which has become the CEO’s mantra since taking over Microsoft earlier this year. “Mobility comes about because of the cloud,” Nadella said. “It’s very important to us that we support every business in every industry in every geography.” Nadella said the company is opening up Azure, Microsoft’s cloud-based platform for businesses, to assist with Ebola research and disaster relief. The company is now accepting proposals for projects that “are working towards developing a better understanding of the spread and cure of the Ebola virus and its associated factors.” Those that qualify for the award will be provided with Azure resources to help power their project.