A strategic partnership between Bayer and Microsoft was announced Tuesday, focused on building a B2B cloud-based software and tools for the ag industry. Bayer will be the first customer of the new system, integrating it as the foundation for their FieldView platform, and the partnership further exemplifies Microsoft’s interest in expanding into agriculture.

The partnership and new platform are intended to:

• Accelerate each companies’ ability to innovate within ag and the food value chain.
• Create opportunities companies to enter and innovate directly in ag and other industries.
• Support farmers and other food industry customers with new technology innovations.

Bayer has stated the new partnership will not share customer farm data with 3rd parties without consent (including Microsoft). They have also said the new system will not impact the FieldView experience or privacy policy in place.

Read more on the partnership.