Microsoft has acquired a UK-based 5G specialist Metaswitch Networks, which has a number of high profile customers including BT and Sprint.
Microsoft said Metaswitch’s portfolio of cloud-native communication software will be expanded into its own range of services aimed at the telecommunications industry. It said that it intends to use the talent and technology from Metaswitch’s portfolio to extend Azure’s reach in the telecoms industry.
Yousef Khalidi, corporate VP of Azure Networking, wrote in his bog: “We have a long history of working with operators as they increasingly embrace software-based solutions and continue to support the advancement of cloud-based networking while helping create new partnership opportunities for existing network equipment providers. Our intention over time is to create modern alternatives to network infrastructure, enabling operators to deliver existing and value-added services – with greater cost efficiency and lower capital investment than they’ve faced in the past.”
Vole has been busy building its 5G skills by acquisition. Two months ago it snaffled cloudy based Affirmed Networks.
