Microsoft Plays Blockchain Matchmaker With Azure Council Creation

Microsoft is entering a new role as a matchmaker in its creation of Microsoft Azure Blockchain Council.

Confirmed in new statements to CoinDesk, the board has established itself to better connect those looking for distributed book tools with the types of companies that can build those tools.

Driven by requests for proposals sent to Microsoft for block-block services, the software giant now wants to allow its industry partners to bid on those applications. In this way, Microsoft is trying to provide startups access to revenue opportunities, while helping to build blockchain solutions for existing customers.

While the council seems a bit like a new consortium effort, the spokesman said it is really more than that:

    "It's almost like a sales tool for partners."

In addition to competing for RFPs, board members are also expected to develop proofs of concept that will be supported by Microsoft's block engineering team.

As the number of block-block applications with live transactions increases, the board's establishment positions computing services in Microsoft's Azure cloud as a way for companies to evolve beyond the ideation phase with the emerging technology blockchain.

However, who exactly is part of this effort remains unclear.

Synechron, a financial services consulting firm that announced a blockbuster accelerator program last year, was revealed yesterday as the first board member. Otherwise, Microsoft is being cautious about revealing any additional members.

"We will allow additional members to announce their membership when they are ready, and we expect more members to join," a spokesman said.