Redmond, Washington, and Espoo, Finland, Nov. 6, 2019: It’s yet another “big” announcement by the two biggies of IT and telecom.
Microsoft and Nokia today announced a strategic collaboration “to accelerate transformation and innovation across industries with Cloud, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).”
A press release by Microsoft said by bringing together Microsoft Cloud solutions and Nokia’s expertise in mission-critical networking, the companies were “uniquely positioned to help Enterprises and communications service providers (CSPs) transform their businesses.”
As Microsoft’s Azure, Azure IoT, Azure AI and machine learning solutions combine with Nokia’s LTE/5G-ready private wireless solutions, IP, SD-WAN, and IoT connectivity offerings, the companies will drive industrial digitalization and automation across Enterprises, and enable CSPs to offer new services to enterprise customers.
Microsoft informed that BT will be the first global communications service provider to offer its Enterprise customers a managed service that integrated Microsoft Azure Cloud and Nokia SD-WAN solutions.
“Bringing together Microsoft’s expertise in intelligent cloud solutions and Nokia’s strength in building business and mission-critical networks will unlock new connectivity and automation scenarios,” said Jason Zander, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Azure, in a written statement.
The Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (Nokia DAC) 5G-ready industrial-grade private wireless broadband solution with on-premise Azure elements will enable a wide variety of secure industrial automation solutions that require more reliable connectivity, efficient coverage and better mobility than traditional Wi-Fi networks provide. For example, connected smart tools and machines on manufacturing floors that enable increased productivity, flexibility and safety for workers, or autonomous vehicles and robots in industrial environments that improve automation, efficiency and overall safety.
Nokia’s Nuage SD-WAN 2.0 solution will now help service providers to offer integration with Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN for branch to Cloud connectivity, with the companies planning to offer more options for branch internet connectivity in 2020. By automating branch and hybrid WAN connectivity, Enterprises will have simplified, faster access to cloud applications such as Office 365, integrated security from branch-to-branch and branch-to-Azure and reduced risk of configuration errors causing security or connectivity issues.
Driving digital transformation for CSPs
Microsoft and Nokia are also collaborating to host Nokia’s Analytics, Virtualization and Automation (AVA) cognitive services solutions on Azure. These AI solutions will enable CSPs to move out of private data centers and into the Azure Cloud to realize cost savings and transform operations for 5G, said Microsoft.
Image Credit: Nokia