Page 34 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2019

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AT&T Integrating 5G with Microsoft Cloud

Microsoft and AT&T are ramping up innovation in the
early days of their strategic alliance announced in July.
One area of focus is aimed at enabling new 5G, cloud and
edge computing solutions to drive enterprise capabilities
for companies around the world. The companies are
opening select preview availability for Network Edge
Compute (NEC) technology, which weaves Microsoft
Azure cloud services into AT&T network edge locations
closer to customers. This means AT&T’s software-
defined and virtualized 5G core – what the company calls
the Network Cloud – is now capable of delivering Azure
services. NEC will initially be available for a limited set of
select customers in Dallas. Next year, Los Angeles and
Atlanta are targeted for select customer availability. From 5G and edge for gaming, drones, and more
making the world’s first 5G millimeter wave browsing One example of how edge computing can unlock new scenarios and
session on a commercial 5G device to groundbreaking experiences is in mobile gaming, where gaming company Game Cloud
commercial installations in healthcare, manufacturing Network has created a unique 5G game that’s hosted on the network
and entertainment, AT&T has proved itself to be a leader edge with Microsoft Azure. Game Cloud Network is a pioneer in
in 5G. The company recently activated an industry-first developing game-based brand engagement and a customer of AT&T. The
400-gigabit connection between Dallas and Atlanta to company is now showcasing its new “Tap & Field” game, which utilizes
support video, gaming and other 5G needs. AT&T serves Microsoft’s Azure PlayFab services. In the game, users race each other
parts of 21 cities with its 5G network using millimeter wave in near-real time via this track-and-field-style game, enabled by the
spectrum (5G+) and plans to offer nationwide 5G in the speed of 5G-connected devices. “5G gaming provides consumers with
first half of 2020. “The first smartphones on 3G networks the best of both worlds: highly-immersive experiences on lightweight
introduced the idea of mobile apps over a decade ago. A mobile devices,” said Aaron Baker, chief executive officer, Game Cloud
few years later, 4G LTE made it feasible to connect those Network. “AT&T and Microsoft are building the perfect environment for
devices faster to cloud applications to stream videos, game developers to create amazing new possibilities for gamers. 5G
hail rides, and broadcast content to the world,” said Mo and edge computing have the potential to radically change how we play
Katibeh, EVP and chief marketing officer, AT&T Business. together and launch new business opportunities for brands and game
“With our 5G and edge computing, AT&T is collaborating publishers.” Through AT&T Foundry, AT&T and Microsoft are exploring
uniquely with Microsoft to marry their cloud capabilities proofs-of-concept including augmented and virtual reality scenarios
with our network to create lower latency between the and drones. For example, both companies continue to work with Israeli
device and the cloud that will unlock new, future scenarios startup Vorpal, helping its VigilAir product track drones in commercial
for consumers and businesses. We’ve said all year zones, airports, and other areas with near-instant positioning. The
developers and businesses will be the early 5G adopters, companies also recently demoed using Microsoft HoloLens to provide
and this puts both at the forefront of this revolution.” This 3D schematic overlays for technicians making repairs to airplanes and
innovation points to a future where high-end augmented other industrial equipment.
reality glasses are as thin and stylish as a standard pair Progress toward a “public-cloud first company” and more
of eyeglasses, lightweight drones can track themselves Microsoft is also helping AT&T Communications become a “public-
and thousands of nearby companions in near-real time, cloud first” company by migrating most non-network workloads to the
and autonomous cars have access to nearly-instant data public cloud by 2024, and this migration to Azure is already underway.
processing capabilities without having to install a mini Another important part of AT&T’s strategy is to empower much of its
data center in the trunk. “We are helping AT&T light up a workforce with Microsoft 365. This includes cloud-connected Office
wide range of unique solutions powered by Microsoft’s apps on Windows 10, and modern collaboration with Microsoft Teams,
cloud, both for its business and our mutual customers in SharePoint and OneDrive. AT&T has begun rolling out these solutions to
a secure and trusted way,” said Corey Sanders, corporate tens of thousands of employees to help drive a culture of modern work.
vice president, Microsoft Solutions. “The collaboration AT&T and Microsoft will have more to share over the coming months and
reaches across AT&T, bringing the hyperscale of Microsoft years as this unique alliance continues to evolve and expand. The two
Azure together with AT&T’s network to innovate with 5G companies will both create and adopt new technologies to develop tools,
and edge computing across every industry.” commercial services and consumer applications that benefit everyone.

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