NEW YORK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) announced on Tuesday that they have signed a 7-year agreement to make healthcare delivery more personal, affordable and accessible for people around the world.

To achieve their goals, the companies will combine the power of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft's cloud and AI platform, healthcare investments, and new retail solutions with WBA's customer reach, convenient locations, outpatient healthcare services and industry expertise, according to a statement released by WBA.

Under the new deal, WBA is signing up more than 380,000 employees for its Microsoft 365 cloud apps offering, including Office 365, Windows 10, and mobility and security tools. The company will move most of its information technology workloads to Microsoft's Azure public cloud.

In addition, WBA will pilot up to 12 store-in-store "digital health corners" this year which aimed at the merchandising and sale of select healthcare-related hardware and devices.

The agreement is Microsoft's latest move to partner with big retail names. It has already signed cloud partnerships with other retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Gap.

Shares of Microsoft and Walgreens rose 2.21 percent and 1.25 percent respectively in morning session on Tuesday.