Axel Springer SE and Microsoft Corp. have unveiled an ambitious expansion of their partnership, embracing cutting-edge AI technology to foster growth and innovation in the media industry. Announced in Redmond, Washington, and Berlin, the collaboration is poised to enhance advertising, AI applications, content delivery, and cloud computing.
This strategic alliance will not only broaden the scope of Axel Springer’s adtech efforts to include POLITICO within the Microsoft Advertising Network but also intensify the integration of AI-driven experiences for users across the globe. Axel Springer is set to transition its SAP solutions to Microsoft Azure, bolstering its infrastructure with the cloud platform’s renowned scalability and security.
Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, highlighted the partnership’s potential, stating, “In this new era of AI, partnerships are critical to preserving and promoting independent journalism while ensuring a thriving media landscape. We’re optimistic about the future of journalism and the opportunities we can unlock through this expanded partnership with Microsoft.”
Microsoft’s chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI on content consumption. “Our expanded partnership with Axel Springer brings together their leadership in digital publishing with the full power of the Microsoft Cloud — including our ad solutions — to build innovative AI-driven experiences and create new opportunity for advertisers and users.”
Key Aspects of the Partnership
- Adtech Expansion to the U.S.: Axel Springer will utilize Microsoft Advertising as its primary ad server solution, extending their successful European partnership to the U.S. market. This expansion will enhance the reach of advertisers through POLITICO, now a part of the Microsoft Advertising Network.
- Innovative AI Experiences: The partnership will see the development of new AI-driven chat experiences, aimed at enriching user engagement with Axel Springer’s journalistic content. Projects like the AI assistant Hey_, which is powered by Azure OpenAI Service, exemplify the innovative direction of this collaboration.
- Extended Content Offerings: Through Microsoft Start-MSN, Axel Springer will increase the availability of premium content from its top brands such as Business Insider and POLITICO, reaching a wider audience across various devices and regions.
- Microsoft Azure Integration: Axel Springer’s digital infrastructure will be enhanced by migrating its SAP solutions to Microsoft Azure, ensuring greater efficiency and reliability in its operations.
As a leader in media and technology, Axel Springer operates in over 40 countries, spearheading the transition from traditional print media to Europe’s foremost digital publisher. With a workforce exceeding 18,000 globally, Axel Springer is on a mission to dominate the digital content and classifieds sectors.
Microsoft continues to lead innovation in the tech industry, creating AI-powered platforms and tools designed to meet the dynamic needs of its customers. Committed to broadening AI accessibility and ensuring responsible usage, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations worldwide to achieve more.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of digital media, promising to leverage AI and cloud computing to safeguard independent journalism and enrich the global media ecosystem.
