Here’s what’s really going on: Microsoft is aiming to be the soup-to-nuts provider of Internet of Things devices, software, and consulting services to zillions of local and national governments around the world. Need to use energy more efficiently, manage your traffic lights, target preventative maintenance, and optimize your public transport—but you’re a local government with limited resources and competence? Call Microsoft. Its entire Redmond campus is a smart city. A typical Microsoft story (this one actually written by Microsoft) : “French Cities Cut Drivers’ Costs by 90 Percent with Intelligent Car-Sharing Solution,” all using Microsoft technology “to connect cars, kiosks, charging stations, and a remote data center.” – Susan Crawford, WIRED via Ars Technica http://ift.tt/2tILTae