Microsoft Azure has been selected by NBC Olympics to provide cloud encoding and hosting with video workflows for the production of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, which take place Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Microsoft Azure will provide streaming service for NBCUniversal and NBCOlympics.com’s record 4,500 hours of online content, making it easier for viewers to find relevant content and recommendations on any device.

This is the second Games for which NBC Olympics has chosen Microsoft Azure to assist with live and on-demand multiplatform streaming coverage. With the proliferation of connected devices, viewers this year will tune into NBC Olympics’ programming from connected TVs, tablets, smartphones, PCs and more. NBC Olympics is making it easy for viewers to access news, highlights and programming wherever they are via the NBC Sports app available free on Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon, Windows 10 tablets, Xbox, Windows Phone, PC and Mac.

Microsoft is also making it easy for viewers to be immersed in the Games. Bing will provide a schedule that offers daily updated Events to Watch. Outlook has a new Interesting Outlook calendar functionality in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web for events starting with the Summer Games, enabling viewers to add their favorite events from the Olympics calendar to their schedule.

Microsoft has a broad partner ecosystem that extends its capabilities in the cloud. To deliver authenticated streaming coverage live and on-demand, Microsoft is working with Adobe Primetime, Adobe’s multiscreen TV delivery and monetization platform, which is integrated as part of Azure so programmers can seamlessly deliver online video and ads to millions of viewers at scale.