Microsoft is contributing that algorithm, known as "Project Zipline," plus the associated hardware design specs and related source code to the Open Compute Project, the company announced on March 14.

Project Zipline, as Microsoft calls ... To do this, the algorithm — and its hardware implementation — were specifically tuned for the kind of large data sets Microsoft sees in its cloud.

After walking across wobbly wooden steps 25 feet above ground, Jackson Frye confidently stepped onto a platform, clipped his zip line hardware onto a cable and flew toward the next tree.