Nokia revealed last week that Microsoft has chosen to deploy elements of Nokia’s data center switch portfolio in its data centers to support Microsoft Azure. The systems will enable Microsoft Azure to support 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) requirements.
Microsoft will implement Nokia’s 7250 IXR chassis-based interconnect routers its “tier-2” network architecture. Nokia will deliver fixed-form-factor platforms into other Microsoft network applications as well. The technology vendor says the deployment built on its collaboration with Microsoft within the open source Software for Open Networking in the Cloud (SONiC) initiative.
“Nokia’s platforms were a natural choice to deliver the massive-scale interconnectivity that Microsoft requires,” commented David Maltz, technical fellow and corporate vice president, Microsoft Azure Networking. “Nokia brings density, performance and flexibility to Microsoft’s data center networks and cloud environments and is partnering with Microsoft to deliver chassis switches running the open source networking operating system SONiC.”
“Today’s data centers have their own unique operational challenges, and Nokia has been working closely for some time now with Microsoft to understand its evolving data center needs and requirements. Our expertise in building high-performance, chassis-based systems was a key factor in our selection,” added Vach Kompella, vice president of Nokia’s IP Networks Division.
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