Nokia Extends Agreement to Power Azure Data Centers

Nokia extended a multi-year agreement with Microsoft to provide its routers and switches for use in Azure data centers. Microsoft decided to migrate to 400 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity within its facilities.

In addition to migrating from 100GE to 400GE, Nokia’s SONiC-based data center switches will be deployed in greenfield locations. Nokia stated the new five-year deal will grow its global footprint to more than 30 countries and strengthen its support of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure. The vendor will supply its 7250 IXR-10e routers to deliver multi-terabit-scale interconnectivity within Microsoft’s data centers. The deployment of the Nokia’s routers is slated to begin in February.

“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,” stated David Maltz, technical fellow and corporate VP for Microsoft Azure networking. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.