Microsoft Office 365 adheres to EU and US data protection standards

Microsoft adds enhanced security to its cloud productivity service Office 365. This Microsoft service claims to be the first and the only cloud-enabled platform to provide data protection and security that adheres to leading EU and US standards. The company will sign EU’s Model Clauses, which will help comply with the European Commission’s stringent Data Protection Directive, and the U.S mandated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  

Enhanced security

In addition to this, Microsoft has declared the availability of the Office 365 Trust Center, which offers detailed information on privacy and security practices. This site was recently revamped for ease of use and understanding. European regulators can request customers to stop the use of a service that doesn’t take appropriate steps to safeguard personal data until the service is evaluated and found compliant with EU data protection and security standards.

“Developing cloud based productivity tools that meet the needs of European businesses means more than simply building apps in a browser,” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, President, Microsoft International. “Microsoft has a more complete approach to European data protection and security laws than any other company, and we’re proud of the work we’ve done to ensure the widest range of organizations can move to the cloud with confidence – or choose an equally functional on-premises option.”

Office 365 puts together Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Exchange Online and Microsoft Lync Online in a cloud service. The Office 365 is also said to be based on familiar, industry-leading productivity tools.