On July 24, Lumen Technologies announced it is partnering with Microsoft Corporation in an agreement that will see both parties implementing the other’s solutions.
Lumen will implement the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform, which the company reports will drive its digital transformation; Microsoft will implement Lumen’s custom network, Private Connectivity Fabric, to expand its network capacity and capability to meet rising data center demands.
Lumen president and CEO Kate Johnson said the company is preparing for a future where AI and powerful network infrastructure are necessary.
“Microsoft has an ambitious vision for AI, and this level of innovation requires a network that can make it reality,” said Johnson in a press release. “Lumen’s expansive network meets this challenge with unique routes, unmatched coverage, and a digital platform built to give companies the flexibility, access, and security they need to create an AI-enabled world.”
Lumen reports that its Private Connectivity Fabric will strengthen the connectivity capabilities between Microsoft’s data centers, providing network capacity, performance, stability, and speed.
Erin Chapple, corporate vice president of Azure core product and design at Microsoft, said in the same press release, “We are focused both on the impact and opportunity for customers relative to AI today, and a generation ahead when it comes to our network infrastructure. Lumen has the network infrastructure and the digital capabilities needed to help support Azure’s mission in creating a reliable and scalable platform that supports the breadth of customer workloads—from general purpose and mission-critical, to cloud-native, high-performance computing, and AI, plus what’s on the horizon.
