Lumen Technologies and Microsoft announced a new strategic partnership leveraging the Microsoft Cloud to enhance Lumen’s digital transformation and significantly expand Microsoft’s network capacity.
Specifically, Microsoft has chosen Lumen as a strategic supplier to bolster its network infrastructure. Lumen’s Private Connectivity Fabric will provide dedicated access to Lumen’s extensive fiber network, installation of new fiber routes, and integration of Lumen’s digital services. This AI-ready infrastructure aims to enhance connectivity, performance, and speed between Microsoft’s datacenters, supporting the next generation of Microsoft platform applications globally.
Microsoft said Lumen’s network expansion will deliver the necessary capacity and stability to support the growing data demands of AI applications. Erin Chapple, Corporate Vice President of Azure Core Product and Design at Microsoft, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on businesses and the essential role of a robust network infrastructure. She highlighted Lumen’s capabilities in supporting Azure’s mission to provide a reliable, scalable platform for diverse customer workloads, including general purpose, mission-critical, cloud-native, high-performance computing, and AI applications.
Lumen’s President and CEO, Kate Johnson, echoed this sentiment, stating that a powerful network infrastructure is crucial for the future of AI-driven innovation and growth.
Key Points
- Strategic Partnership: Lumen and Microsoft collaborate to enhance network capacity for AI.
- Lumen’s Infrastructure: Private Connectivity Fabric to provide dedicated access to Lumen’s fiber network and new digital services.
- Datacenter Support: Improved connectivity, performance, and speed for Microsoft’s datacenters.
- AI and Network Infrastructure: Essential for supporting AI applications and future innovations.
