MicrosoftCorp. and Boeing Co.inked a deal to create a cloud-based platform for Boeing's commercial aviationanalytics tools.

Pursuant to the agreement, the companies will shift Boeing'saviation applications, which include tools offered by Boeing units AerData andJeppesen, to the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Boeing's applications are geared toward airlines, airplaneleasing companies and maintenance suppliers, giving them real-time informationto help them buy and lease airplanes and engines, train and schedule crews,plan routes, manage inventory, and maintain fleets.