Nokia has renewed its alliance with Microsoft, extending their cooperation by another five years to supply critical networking hardware for Azure data centers. Under this extended agreement, Nokia will provide its routers and switches, bolstering Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure across more than 30 countries.
This partnership builds on Nokia’s existing work with open-source SONiC software, emphasizing enhanced capabilities for high-capacity data center networks. The initiative aims to fortify connectivity within Microsoft’s data centers through Nokia’s 7250 IXR-10e platform and specialized top-of-rack switches used extensively in Azure. By utilizing Nokia’s technology, Microsoft seeks to optimize new sites and elevate its current facilities to manage an influx of data traffic more effectively.
While financial specifics remain undisclosed, both companies have expressed confidence in the partnership’s strategic value. Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of IP Networks at Nokia, highlighted this collaboration as a significant progression in their relationship. Moreover, it aims to increase the scalability and reliability of Microsoft Azure data centers globally.
David Maltz, Microsoft Azure’s Technical Fellow and Corporate Vice President, emphasized the need for global expansion to accommodate rising 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,” he stated.
The decision to deepen the partnership promises several advantages. For Nokia, it expands its market presence significantly and strengthens its technological influence in the data center segment. For Microsoft, collaborating with a seasoned player like Nokia helps ensure robust network solutions that meet high standards.
