Logistics giant FedEx and IT giant Microsoft have announced a new, multi-year partnership to help transform commerce through combining FedEx’s global digital and logistics network with Microsoft’s intelligent cloud.

The aim of the partnership is to create opportunities for their customers through a number of joint offerings that are powered by Azure and Dynamics 365. These use data and analytics solutions to reinvent the most critical aspects of the commerce experience and enable businesses to better compete in today’s increasingly digital landscape.

“FedEx has been reimagining the supply chain since our first day of operation, and we are taking it to a new level with today’s announcement,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman and CEO, FedEx. “Together with Microsoft, we will combine the immense power of technology with the vast scale of our infrastructure to help revolutionise commerce and create a network for what’s next for our customers.”

The partnership harnesses FedEx’s links to more than 99% of the world’s GDP across 220 countries, with Microsoft Azure used by more than 95% of US Fortune 500 companies. The idea is that their customers will have an unprecedented level of control and insight into the global movement of goods.

“Now more than ever, organisations are counting on an efficient and capable supply chain to remain competitive and open for business,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Together with FedEx, we will apply the power of Azure, Dynamics 365 and their AI capabilities to this urgent need, building new commerce experiences that transform logistics for our mutual customers around the world.”