“Connectivity is the lifeblood of IoT.”
This is a go-to statement for me when it comes to the Internet of Things. Connectivity is what allows devices and systems to communicate with one another, enabling the data-sharing required for IoT systems to function reliably.
Relatedly, according to Juniper Research, increasing numbers of global private cellular IoT roaming connections will grow by more than 800% over the next four years; that’s a climb from roughly 15 million this year to 142 million by 2027. Given this surge, it will be imperative for organizations to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity across devices.
To meet this need, Syniverse and Microsoft are partnering. Syniverse is a telco company that has been described as “the world’s most connected company.” Microsoft is, well, Microsoft.
Notably – I’d be remiss if this wasn’t at least mentioned – Syniverse recently received our IoT Evolution Private Wireless Network Innovation Award, exemplifying efficiency through the growth and development of IoT connectivity ecosystems.
Anyway, the long-story-short of this news: This partnership will make Syniverse’s Global SIM solution available for use with Microsoft Azure Private Multi-Access Edge Compute (MEC).
Here’s the long-story-longer version:
This collaboration allows enterprises deploying private networks at their operational facilities – using Azure Private 5G Core on Azure’s edge platform – to leverage Syniverse solutions that require private-to-public 5G and LTE network interoperability. In terms of connectivity needs, that’s substantial; with this add-on service, IoT devices utilized for asset tracking, frontline workforces, and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) that are primarily connected over private networks can roam over public networks on demand, leveraging this for overall improved resiliency.
Use case examples: You’re a utility company in need of a localized wireless network; a fast, dependable, and secure one. Or, you’re a large-scale manufacturer that wants to extend connectivity well beyond its facility. In both cases, this work between Syniverse and Microsoft will bring great benefits to each respective operation. (This is applicable to other industries, as well – mining, shipping, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and even smart cities can improve the lives of users by enabling reliable, global, and secure roaming between private and public networks.)
"Given the rapid expansion of private wireless networks and IoT,” said Harry Patz, Jr., Chief Revenue Officer at Syniverse, “seamless roaming between private and public networks is more essential than ever. Through this integration, Azure users will benefit from technology that lets devices move to public networks and automatically revert to the private network when it's available. This prevents businesses from racking up costly roaming revenues if their devices remain connected to public networks. It eliminates communication issues regardless of where in the world these devices are located, and it ensures their continued security, all of which go a long way toward improving the customer experience."
Tad Brockway, Corporate Vice President of Azure for Operators at Microsoft, chimed in as well, stating:
"Syniverse’s Global SIM solution equips our enterprise customers – ones with global, multi-site operations – the capability to support applications that traverse private and public connectivity and offer mission critical resiliency. Now, we’re working together to integrate and validate the solutions to make it really simple for enterprises to manage solutions built with Azure Private MEC."
Connectivity, as mentioned, is at the very core of IoT. With more connectivity support from Syniverse and Microsoft, that becomes strengthened.
Edited by
Greg Tavarez
