Nokia has expanded its multi-year agreement with Microsoft Azure to supply critical networking infrastructure for its global data centers. The five-year deal will see Nokia provide data center routers and switches to support Microsoft’s growing cloud footprint, enhancing scalability and reliability across Azure’s global network. This partnership strengthens Nokia’s role as a strategic supplier, with its equipment set to be deployed in over 30 countries. The agreement also builds on Nokia’s ongoing collaboration with Microsoft around open-source SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud), focusing on advancing SONiC’s capabilities, including chassis-based support for high-capacity network roles within data centers.
As part of the expansion, Nokia will supply its 7250 IXR-10e platform, designed to enable multi-terabit-scale interconnectivity between data centers. Additionally, Nokia will continue providing custom-developed management top-of-rack switches, which have been extensively used in Azure’s network. The new deployment will support Microsoft’s migration to 400GE connectivity within existing facilities, meeting growing traffic demands for years to come. The deployment of the Nokia 7250 IXR-10e will begin in February 2025, marking a key milestone in Microsoft’s ongoing effort to scale its cloud infrastructure to handle surging demand for general compute services.
Key Highlights:
- Nokia expands partnership with Microsoft Azure, supplying data center networking equipment for five more years.
- Nokia’s SONiC-based switches and routers will support Microsoft’s migration to 400GE connectivity.
- The 7250 IXR-10e platform will deliver multi-terabit interconnectivity across Microsoft’s data centers.
- Nokia’s networking solutions will be deployed globally, enhancing Azure’s cloud infrastructure in over 30 countries.
- The deployment is set to begin in February 2025, supporting Azure’s growing demand for general compute services.
Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of IP Networks business at Nokia, said: “We are pleased to move to the next phase of our relationship with Microsoft by expanding the agreement’s product scope, geographical reach and time commitment to five years. As a result of this new deal, Nokia will further increase the scalability and reliability of Microsoft Azure datacenters around the world. This win affirms Nokia’s commitment to being a strategic supplier for tier one hyperscaler companies, and highlights that our multi-year strategic investments and approach have put us on the right trajectory.”
David Maltz, Technical Fellow and Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Azure Networking, said: “As leaders in the advancement of cloud compute, we are continuously expanding our global footprint to support the massive growth in compute workloads. 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.”
