Italian defence group Leonardo and US tech giant Microsoft have teamed up to boost the digital transformation of Italy's public administration and critical national infrastructures. The project will focus on data protection and the use of advanced cloud technologies and solutions.<br />'' <br />''According to the joint statement released by the two firms, Leonardo will act as system integrator and cyber-security services provider to help digitalise the data centres of the public administration. It added that Microsoft will offer advanced technologies and services for productivity, security, cloud and process automation.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The move comes as the Italian government prepares to create a national cloud hub for public administration's data. The project will be financed using a portion of the European funds earmarked to help country's economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic.</span><br />