Microsoft Invests in Grab Ride-Hailing Service

Microsoft Corp. is making an unspecified investment in Singapore-based GrabTaxi Holdings Pte. Ltd. as part of a deal that includes collaborating on big data and artificial intelligence systems.

As a first step, Grab will adopt Microsoft’s Azure technology as its preferred cloud platform. This includes data analytics and fraud detection applications.

The companies also will work together to develop innovations for Grab that include advanced facial and image recognition systems, natural language processing, mapping, third-party telematics services, machine learning, loyalty reward programs and computer vision technologies. For example, a person could take a photo of his or her location when they book a ride and have it converted into an address to help the driver find them.

Microsoft technologies will power Grab's "recommendation engine" that analyzes user data and behavior to provide personalized services. Grab will provide on-demand transportation booking options to Microsoft Outlook users, allowing them to book rides directly in the application and be alerted with calendar reminders.

Grab operates in 235 cities across eight countries in southeast Asia. In addition to ride-hailing services, the company has a digital payment system and other mobile technologies.