Nokia has announced a significant five-year expansion of its partnership with Microsoft Azure, further solidifying its role as a key supplier for Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure. This agreement will see Nokia’s data center networking solutions deployed in over 30 countries, bolstering the scalability and reliability of Azure datacenters worldwide.
Strengthening Azure’s Network Infrastructure
The partnership leverages Nokia’s advanced data center networking portfolio, including the 7250 IXR-10e platform, which delivers multi-terabit-scale interconnectivity. This platform will support Microsoft Azure’s transition from 100GE to 400GE connectivity, addressing the rising demands of modern cloud traffic with increased performance and reliability.
Expanding SONiC Capabilities
The collaboration continues Nokia and Microsoft’s shared investment in the open-source SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) ecosystem. Nokia’s ongoing innovation, including enhanced support for chassis-based high-capacity roles, highlights its commitment to advancing SONiC-based solutions for datacenter applications.
Deployment Timeline and Broader Impact
Deployment of the Nokia 7250 IXR-10e is scheduled to begin in February, with the solutions to be implemented in greenfield locations and existing facilities. Nokia will also continue supplying its custom-developed management top-of-rack switches extensively used in Azure datacenters.
This expanded collaboration not only ensures Microsoft Azure’s network infrastructure remains robust and future-ready but also reinforces Nokia’s standing as a leader in networking technology. By supporting Azure’s growth, Nokia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global cloud connectivity.
Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of IP Networks business at Nokia, said: “We are pleased to move to the next phase of our relationship with Microsoft by expanding the agreement’s product scope, geographical reach and time commitment to five years. As a result of this new deal, Nokia will further increase the scalability and reliability of Microsoft Azure datacenters around the world. This win affirms Nokia’s commitment to being a strategic supplier for tier one hyperscaler companies, and highlights that our multi-year strategic investments and approach have put us on the right trajectory.”
David Maltz, Technical Fellow and Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Azure Networking, said: “As leaders in the advancement of cloud compute, we are continuously expanding our global footprint to support the massive growth in compute workloads. Over the past six years we have worked with Nokia’s engineers to develop their routers running SONiC to rapidly advance our expansion at the quality our customers demand.”
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