DALLAS and REDMOND, Wash., Nov.
26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 making the world's first 5G millimeter wave browsing
session on a commercial 5G device to groundbreaking commercial
installations in healthcare, manufacturing and entertainment,
AT&T has proved itself to be a leader in 5G. The company
recently activated an industry-first 400-gigabit connection between
Dallas and Atlanta to support video, gaming and other 5G
needs. AT&T serves parts of 21 cities with its 5G network using
millimeter wave spectrum (5G+) and plans to offer nationwide 5G in
the first half of 2020.
"The first smartphones on 3G networks introduced the idea of
mobile apps over a decade ago. A few years later, 4G LTE made it
feasible to connect those devices faster to cloud applications to
stream videos, hail rides, and broadcast content to the world,"
said Mo Katibeh, EVP and chief
marketing officer, AT&T Business. "With our 5G and edge
computing, AT&T is collaborating uniquely with Microsoft to
marry their cloud capabilities with our network to create
lower latency between the device and the cloud that will unlock
new, future scenarios for consumers and businesses. We've said all
year developers and businesses will be the early 5G adopters, and
this puts both at the forefront of this revolution."
This innovation points to a future where high-end augmented
reality glasses are as thin and stylish as a standard pair of
eyeglasses, lightweight drones can track themselves and thousands
of nearby companions in near-real time, and autonomous cars have
access to nearly-instant data processing capabilities without
having to install a mini data center in the trunk.
"We are helping AT&T light up a wide range of unique
solutions powered by Microsoft's cloud, both for its business and
our mutual customers in a secure and trusted way," said
Corey Sanders, corporate vice
president, Microsoft Solutions. "The collaboration reaches across
AT&T, bringing the hyperscale of Microsoft Azure together with
AT&T's network to innovate with 5G and edge computing across
every industry."
5G and edge for gaming, drones, and more
One example of how edge computing can unlock new scenarios and
experiences is in mobile gaming, where gaming company Game Cloud
Network has created a unique 5G game that's hosted on the network
edge with Microsoft Azure. Game Cloud Network is a pioneer in
developing game-based brand engagement and a customer of AT&T.
The company is now showcasing its new "Tap & Field" game, which
utilizes Microsoft's Azure PlayFab services. In the game, users
race each other in near-real time via this track-and-field-style
game, enabled by the speed of 5G-connected devices.
"5G gaming provides consumers with the best of both worlds:
highly-immersive experiences on lightweight mobile devices," said
Aaron Baker, chief executive
officer, Game Cloud Network. "AT&T and Microsoft are building
the perfect environment for game developers to create amazing new
possibilities for gamers. 5G and edge computing have the potential
to radically change how we play together and launch new business
opportunities for brands and game publishers."
Through AT&T Foundry, AT&T and Microsoft are exploring
proofs-of-concept including augmented and virtual reality scenarios
and drones. For example, both companies continue to work with
Israeli startup Vorpal, helping its VigilAir product track drones
in commercial zones, airports, and other areas with near-instant
positioning. The companies also recently demoed using Microsoft
HoloLens to provide 3D schematic overlays for technicians making
repairs to airplanes and other industrial equipment.
Progress toward a "public-cloud first company" and
more
Microsoft is also helping AT&T Communications become a
"public-cloud first" company by migrating most non-network
workloads to the public cloud by 2024, and this migration to Azure
is already underway. Another important part of AT&T's strategy
is to empower much of its workforce with Microsoft 365. This
includes cloud-connected Office apps on Windows 10, and modern
collaboration with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive.
AT&T has begun rolling out these solutions to tens of thousands
of employees to help drive a culture of modern work.
AT&T and Microsoft will have more to share over the coming
months and years as this unique alliance continues to evolve and
expand. The two companies will both create and adopt new
technologies to develop tools, commercial services and consumer
applications that benefit everyone.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a diversified, global leader in
telecommunications, media and entertainment, and technology. It
executes in the market under four operating units. WarnerMedia is a
leading media and entertainment company that creates and
distributes premium and popular content to global audiences through
its consumer brands including: HBO, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV,
CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim,
Turner Classic Movies and others. AT&T Communications provides
more than 100 million U.S. consumers with entertainment and
communications experiences across TV, mobile and broadband
services. Plus, it serves nearly 3 million business customers with
high-speed, highly secure connectivity and smart solutions.
AT&T Latin America provides pay-TV services across 11 countries
and territories in Latin America
and the Caribbean, and is the
fastest growing wireless provider in Mexico, serving consumers and businesses.
Xandr provides marketers with innovative and relevant advertising
solutions for consumers around premium video content and
digital advertising through its AppNexus platform.
AT&T products and services are provided or offered by
subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T
brand and not by AT&T Inc. Additional information is available
at about.att.com. © 2019 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights
reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks
and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T
affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the
property of their respective owners.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial
estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to
risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ
materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results
is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise
statements contained in this news release based on new information
or otherwise.
This news release may contain certain non-GAAP financial
measures. Reconciliations between the non-GAAP financial measures
and the GAAP financial measures are available on the company's
website at https://investors.att.com.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft)
enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud
and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and
every organization on the planet to achieve more.
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SOURCE AT&T