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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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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