Houston Microsoft Technology Center of Excellence for Oil and Gas
Be thrilled by innovation and enjoy a hands-on playground of transformational technologies at the first cloud-based Microsoft Technology Center (MTC) recently opened in Houston. This facility also operates as an Oil & Gas Center of Excellence, focusing on business solutions developed to meet the dynamic needs of energy companies.
The new 12,600-square-foot facility wowed the attendees during the February grand opening with its inspiring atmosphere and facility tours. Guests discovered multiple venues including the Envisioning Center, Interactive Center, Accenture/Avanade Solution Showcase (featuring one of their industry solutions: Digital Store of the Future) and Microsoft Aware demonstration (Threat Detection and Analytics solution for Public Safety).
Hands-on Azure Machine Learning
The goal of MTC Houston – one of almost 40 centers around the globe – is to showcase how the Microsoft mobile-first, cloud-first platform delivers on our three main ambitions: re-invent productivity, build the intelligent cloud and invent more personal computing.
Especially for Oil & Gas industry, the MTC Houston offers deep insights into compelling solutions such as Azure Machine Learning for predictive analytics, where advanced notice of equipment failure drives more cost-effective maintenance activities and more productive operations. For remote collaboration and troubleshooting, Skype for Business and Office 365 set new standards for enhanced productivity, while Microsoft Dynamics automates and streamlines business processes, such as tracking service requests and providing feedback to predictive analytics models.
In-depth Insights into Partner Solutions
The Houston MTC also features partner solutions designed for the energy industry, including a hardhat-mounted camera from Bartec for hands-free video streaming; an oil well monitoring solution from Baker Hughes providing real-time production KPIs to drive optimal operations; and a Rockwell Automation solution providing intelligent views from sensor data collected in the field via Azure IoT Suite.
From a theater venue for envisioning common scenarios, to customized sessions such as strategy briefings, proof-of-concept workshops and architectural design sessions, customers experience the latest capabilities in cloud productivity, mobility, truste computing and other business critical needs.
As Nick Kritikos, national director of Microsoft Technology Centers in North America, said: “It literally is a technology toy box, where customers can come in and touch it and see how it works. It’s not just a PowerPoint presentation or a bunch of talking. Customers can roll up their sleeves and do it themselves, so they can develop their own understanding.”
Experience Cloud, Mobile and Social Solutions
So, take advantage of MTC’s to explore your technology future with rich, interactive and immersive experiences, seeing first-hand how Microsoft and partner technologies address your most difficult challenges. Future-proof your technology investments with:
Strategy Briefings: Tailored product and technology drill-downs, delivering a clear and actionable picture of how Microsoft and partner technologies can help you reach your business goals.
Architecture Design Sessions: Custom session with architectural guidance, consultation on preferred practices and risk analysis
Proof-of-Concept: Multi-week in-depth workshop to transfer knowledge and prove out customized solutions
Workshops: Hands-on immersive experience from Business Intelligence and Big Data to Productivity and Collaboration, all enabled by the Azure Hybrid Cloud platform.
