International telecommunications company Telstra is now a selected carrier for Microsoft Azure Peering Service. This networking service supports the enhancement of user connectivity, as well as Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams – a new programmatic approach to operator-provided calling in Teams.
Microsoft Azure Peering Service provides optimized Internet connectivity to Microsoft cloud services including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Azure. Clients can register for this offering in the Azure portal. Telstra and Microsoft will work closely to provide enterprise clients with end-to-end, high-performing public connectivity with optimal routing in their selected region.
The offering is integrated with Telstra Global Internet Direct (GID) to ensure “robust” connectivity service and secured access through a single network. Additionally, clients would be able to enjoy high levels of availability of service and low latency connections.
By leveraging sophisticated automation which combines architecture components between Telstra and Microsoft, the offering allows organizations to speed up and simplify the delivery of telephone services and decrease deployment time. Business clients would also experience improved quality of voice calling by using private network infrastructure, while gaining the ability to manage phone numbers through the Microsoft Teams Admin Center.
Telstra will start offering Azure Peering Service to clients in Asia, with plans to expand availability to Europe and the United States next calendar year.
Sanjay Nayak, Telstra Executive of Fixed Connectivity Products said companies have to function seamlessly with decreased complications as their digital transformation path accelerates.
“Microsoft Azure Peering Service provides direct access between Telstra and Microsoft’s networks – providing users with robust connectivity service at a location nearest to them, thereby reducing latency when accessing Microsoft’s workplace services,” said Mr. Nayak. “By leveraging Telstra’s connectivity and professional services capabilities and Microsoft’s focus on intelligent cloud services, we aim to help organizations across the region and globally enable a modern work experience.”
Telstra has been recognized for its Microsoft Azure expertise. The company is a Microsoft Gold Partner in ten categories including Cloud Platform, Cloud Productivity and Communications, as well as a member of the Azure Expert MSP Program.
“Telstra has been a long-standing partner for Microsoft since 2008,” said Taimoor Husain, Modern Workplace Strategy and GTM Lead at Microsoft. “With internet traffic growing at an exponential rate, coverage has become critical for effective virtual collaboration. We look forward to tapping the breadth of Telstra’s network to build the modern workplace and enable more seamless collaboration for organizations.”
The worldwide network of Telstra consists of over 26 cable networks covering over 400,000KM with access to various cable terminals with a global presence of over 2,000 locations. Their undersea cable network is one of the largest in Asia Pacific. It provides access to lighted capacity in Asia as well as Australia, the United States and Europe in the area.
