Level 3 Communications announced a strategic relationship with Microsoft to deliver private, direct network connections to Microsoft Windows Azure as part of the Level 3 Cloud Connect Solutions partner ecosystem.
The “Cloud Connect” solution bypasses the public Internet to provide a secure, high-performance network link into the Azure cloud. Level 3 Cloud Connect Solutions and Windows Azure support MPLS-based Ethernet Virtual Private Line Service, Virtual Private LAN Service and IP/VPN Service, as well as Level 3’s Security Solutions and Application Performance Management Services. Level 3 and Windows Azure are now accepting limited customer trials of Windows Azure with connectivity in San Jose, Calif. and Ashburn, Va. Global availability is scheduled for additional regions throughout the year.
“Microsoft has unmatched experience running datacenters and cloud services at global scale,” said Steven Martin, general manager of Windows Azure at Microsoft. “Private, direct network connections between Level 3 Cloud Connect Solutions and Windows Azure put our combined scale and global reach to work for enterprises, helping them to realize greater efficiencies and focus on their core business.”
“Level 3 Cloud Connect Solutions and Windows Azure deliver a fast, reliable and cost-effective path for enterprises to migrate and optimize their cloud strategies,” said Anthony Christie, chief marketing officer of Level 3. “Level 3 is driving a new, more efficient way to connect to the cloud, and our strategic relationship with Windows Azure represents the most recent addition to the global ecosystem we are developing to provide enterprises with greater choice and flexibility to operate within the cloud as a platform for future growth.”
