Microsoft this week announced it has signed a definite agreement to acquire Metaswitch Networks, a cloud-native virtual network functions provider that works with fixed and mobile operators. This follows Microsoft’s acquisition of virtualized Evolved Packet Core vendor Affirmed Networks announced in late March.
The goal here seems to be using the transition to 5G as a springboard for Microsoft to significantly expand it’s reach into the service provider market segment by facilitating a path from virtualization to cloud-native. At the same time, the Azure offering recently received an update with edge zones for operators and enterprises.
