Microsoft Dives Into 5G With Azure Edge Zones

Microsoft today announced the preview of Azure Edge Zones, which are designed to embed compute, storage, and networking resources at the edge of carriers’ 5G networks. With the move, Microsoft is embracing a trend that is percolating throughout the industry to blend cloud computing with mobile networks to bolster edge computing for enterprises, IoT, and applications that require low latency. A pool of operators, including AT&T, CenturyLink, Etisalat, NTT Communications, Proximus, Rogers, SK Telecom, Telefónica, Telstra, and Vodafone, have partnered with Microsoft on the effort and plan to make Azure Edge Zones available to customers later this year. Microsoft said it also plans to deploy standalone Azure Edge Zones in various cities during the next 12 months and it is seeking deals with enterprises to deploy private edge zones.