3M rose 2.5% in the Dow Jones on Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange, in a slightly higher market (+0.3%), after announcing a strategic partnership with Microsoft in AI-focused data centers. The Minnesota-based group signed an agreement to incorporate its Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) connector into Microsoft's cloud and AI infrastructure, making Microsoft the first hyperscaler to integrate this fiber-optic cabling solution. The technology uses an expanded-beam interface to make fiber connections faster to install, less sensitive to dust, and easier to maintain, aiming to reduce Microsoft's cleaning and inspection needs while ensuring reliable optical performance in dense, high-volume deployment environments. Simultaneously, 3M will roll out Microsoft's artificial intelligence technologies and digital tools as part of its internal transformation, covering customer service, finance, sales, and marketing to simplify processes, improve decision-making, and boost employee productivity. 3M stated it plans with Microsoft to deepen their partnership through closer technical collaboration and synergies between engineering and commercial teams, with both groups already considering joint innovation projects in the data center and device ecosystem.