UK-based supermarket giant Tesco has signed up with Microsoft for the delivery of technology and services across 14 countries, which will cover its data centers, distribution and head offices.

Tesco said it will use a slew of Microsoft products including SQL Server, BizTalk, Lync, System Centers and Windows, Office and SharePoint for the next eight years to help boost productivity, decision making and knowledge sharing.

Tesco said it plans to grow its international presence, and expand its non-food business which includes banking, online and mobile services.

"Putting innovative technology in the hands of its customers, staff and suppliers will allow Tesco to get closer to its goals of multi-channel retailing and meeting people's needs as they change," Microsoft said.

Tesco Group CIO Mike McNamara said collaboration will be key to the success of its expansions in years to come.

"We have lots of colleagues in Tesco, doing lots of jobs all over the world," McNamara says.