I thought this was a really great article explaining the relationship between Microsoft & Starbucks and how Microsoft Azure cloud service provides support for Internet of Things at Starbucks. It is a great example of why cloud service providers have a lot of runway ahead of them.
Sphere reflects a Microsoft mantra called the Intelligent Edge: the idea that commercial devices should not simply be connected to the internet, but pack a fair amount of their own computational muscle, allowing them to keep chugging even if they lose connectivity. The more the notion catches on with companies such as Starbucks, the better positioned Azure is to compete with the dauntingly successful Amazon Web Services, which defined the modern cloud platform and continues to dominate the category.
https://www.fastcompany.com/40568165/starbucks-brews-a-tech-…
Frank - long SBUX, long AMZN, see profile for all holdings