Etisalat to launch 5G enterprise multi-access edge computing in collaboration with Microsoft

Etisalat and Microsoft have joined forces to unlock new 5G scenarios with Azure multi-access edge computing.

Leveraging the power of Etisalat Core Orchestration and Azure ARM capabilities, the partnership will create 5G edge compute plug-and-play infrastructures for enterprises to run industry solutions.

Edge computing technology is set to reform a host of industries, reducing latency and enabling a whole host of applications to deliver fast and secure 5G, IoT and AI applications.

“Etisalat Edge Computing solutions will help customers transform the way they operate, especially transportation, smart manufacturing, logistics, and Oil & Gas,” said Khaled Al Suwaidi, vice president Fixed and Mobile Core at Etisalat. “This drastically increases the value for traditional networks to transition into 5G to develop intelligent and autonomous next generation technology that unlocks potential opportunities to our customers.”

“Azure MEC offers service providers and customers the same set of tools to build and manage their cloud infrastructure. Our customers can maximize their efforts by employing a “build once and deploy many” strategy to optimize their investments,” said Naim Yazbeck, regional director, Enterprise and Partner Group (EPG), Microsoft UAE.

This latest collaboration is a continuation of last year’s successful partnership when Etisalat teamed up with Microsoft to drive a public cloud-first strategy through a digital transformation programme that enabled the telecommunications provider to build a platform infused with automation and AI.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Etisalat launched a comprehensive suite of collaboration solutions for enterprises in the UAE, offering more value to customers that want to connect and work in real-time. Businesses may now choose among Etisalat’s CloudTalk Meeting, Avaya Spaces, Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom as collaboration options.

Read: Etisalat unveils a suite of collaboration solutions in UAE

The telco group also announced the appointment of Masood M Sharif Mahmood as CEO for its UAE operations in August this year.

Read: Etisalat appoints new CEO for UAE operations

The new position is part of Etisalat’s ongoing strategy that “targets diversifying and exploring new growth opportunities, accelerating business development in the digital field, expanding geographical presence and maximising operational efficiency”, a statement said.