Microsoft Partners with Nokia to Accelerate Innovation in AI, IoT, Cloud

After the disaster of the $7 billion Microsoft - Nokia devices partnership in the past, both the tech giants have now teamed up once again.

Both companies have come together to focus on accelerating the digital transformation of businesses by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, notes the announcement.

Microsoft will now bring up its cloud expertise to the table, while the Finnish Telecommunications giant, Nokia, will now lend up its mission-critical networking experience.

Microsoft will leverage Azure AI, Azure Machine Learning, Azure IoT solutions to work strategically with the Nokia LTE/5G ready private wireless solutions, SD-WAN, IoT, IP connectivity offerings, said the announcement.

Both companies will offer connectivity solutions to digital factories, smart cities, warehouses, healthcare settings, and transportation hubs such as ports, airports, etc.

Executive Opinion

Executive Vice President, Microsoft Azure, Jason Zander, said, "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. We’re excited about the opportunities this will create for our joint customers across industries."

President of Nokia Enterprise and Chief Strategy Officer, Kathrin Buvac, said, "We are thrilled to unite Nokia’s mission-critical networks with Microsoft’s cloud solutions. Together, we will accelerate the digital transformation journey towards Industry 4.0, driving economic growth and productivity for both enterprises and service providers."

Microsoft Accelerating Digital Transformation for Enterprises

Nokia offers a 5G private wireless broadband solution termed as the Nokia Digital Automation cloud.

On-premise Azure entities along with Nokia Digital Automation Cloud will help the clients with efficient coverage, better connectivity, and more mobility than what is possible with the traditional Wi-Fi networks, notes the announcement.

Nokia and Microsoft also planning to automate branch and hybrid WAN connectivity. Nokia Nuage SD-WAN 2.0 solution integrated with Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN can automated branch connectivity in 2020.

The announcement noted that BT will offer its enterprise customers a managed service that integrates Microsoft Azure cloud and Nokia SD-WAN solutions.