Microsoft and Telstra have announced an extension of their long-standing partnership, with plans to jointly build cloud-based solutions on Azure while leveraging the Telstra Data Hub[1].
Specifically, this will see the pair leverage Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, artificial intelligence, and digital twin capability to develop solutions in areas such as asset tracking, supply chain management, telematics, and smart spaces.
One of those projects will involve Telstra building a digital twin[2] based on Azure across its own commercial buildings, which will be initially deployed at five buildings including the telco's flagship site at 242 Exhibition St in Melbourne.
Additionally, under the partnership, Telstra will leverage Azure as the cloud platform for the telco's ongoing internal digital transformation, involving transitioning from legacy and on-premise applications to cloud-based solutions.
The pair also plan to work together to develop solutions to advance their sustainability and climate commitments. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced its ambitious plans to be carbon negative by 2030[3], while Telstra has set a target of reducing its absolute emissions by 50%[4] by the same time.
"We already have a longstanding relationship with Microsoft and have worked together in areas that are market-leading to create unique experiences for our customers … today's announcement with Microsoft formalises the several streams of work we are already collaborating on," Telstra CEO Andy Penn said.
"The global scale of Microsoft's platform, tools, and applications, together with Telstra's network solutions, reliability, and leadership, will drive new and unique solutions for Australia."
The announcement comes as Penn joined Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, along with other executives, on a virtual panel on Friday, discussing how digital technologies are changing businesses.
For Nadella, he believes the lines between