Microsoft acquires AT&T networking tech to bolster its Azure for Operators approach
Credit rating: Microsoft
AT&T has been performing with Microsoft for various a long time to take a look at its 5G workloads on Azure. Right now, June 30 — the last working day of Microsoft’s fiscal 2021 — the pair declared the renewal of their partnership, with Microsoft acquiring AT&T’s provider-quality Network Cloud platform technological innovation.
Does this necessarily mean Microsoft is turning out to be a mobile operator? No. Nor is AT&T acquiring out of the telco organization.
The Network Cloud System is what AT&T has made use of to operate its 5G technology considering that 2018. Microsoft ideas to choose this Network Cloud system, exclusively the intellectual property and technical experience all over it — and deliver it to its Azure for Operators telco offering, the pair reported.
“This transfer delivers true-globe production 5G workloads to Azure for Operators,” stated Microsoft by using a press launch. Microsoft will make features to the AT&T Community Cloud system engineering staff to go to operate for Microsoft.
Introduced last year, Azure for Operators is about making Azure additional attractive to telecommunication corporations. Microsoft officers mentioned at the time that it experienced no intentions to come to be a telco provider in its possess right. Microsoft also bought a few of 5G-centric firms in current months — Metaswitch Networks and Affirmed Networks — to more bolster its potential to promote Azure to telcos.
Telecommunications is a person of Microsoft’s crucial vertical markets. The business by now counts NTT, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Verizon Business enterprise, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, and Telstra, along with AT&T, as companions and/or customers in this space.
Currently, AT&T officers explained they are going their 5G cellular community to Microsoft’s cloud, which delivers a route for all of its cellular network visitors to be managed using Azure technologies. The to start with piece to be moved will be AT&T’s 5G core, which connects cell customers and IoT units with Online and other products and services.
In 2019, Microsoft and AT&T introduced Azure technological innovation would be woven into AT&T’s 5G and edge networks, so that AT&T’s virtualized 5G core Network Cloud will be equipped to deliver Azure companies to prospects. Modern announcement advances the primary 2019 offer amongst the two businesses.