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Microsoft's Metaswitch Announcement - June 2024 - Printable Version +- Forums (https://www.voicetalk.org/forum) +-- Forum: Switches (https://www.voicetalk.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=4) +--- Forum: MetaSwitch (https://www.voicetalk.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=5) +--- Thread: Microsoft's Metaswitch Announcement - June 2024 (/showthread.php?tid=2) |
Microsoft's Metaswitch Announcement - June 2024 - admin - 06-14-2024 We are reaching out to customers of our Azure for Operators portfolio, which includes products we acquired from Affirmed Networks and Metaswitch Networks, to explain recent updates to our portfolio. In 2020, we announced our Azure for Operators initiative. As part of this effort, we acquired Affirmed Networks, Metaswitch Networks, and IP from AT&T to acquire “Telco DNA” that would enhance our operational / technical engineering skills for building a carrier grade platform. As these acquisitions came together with Azure, we created Azure Operator Nexus – a carrier grade, hybrid cloud platform. We are moving Azure Operator Nexus into our broader Azure Edge and Platform portfolio and continue to service operators. Based on customer demand, the Azure for Operators initiative also focused on automation and analytics capabilities as early products. Given the acceleration of Microsoft’s AI capabilities overall, we are now aligning these early efforts with Microsoft’s broader portfolio. As we advance our platform and AI capabilities, we are shifting our focus from the Network Function layer to partnerships with industry leaders of these capabilities. We will fulfill all our contractual obligations to existing customers and we will be consistent with published end-of-life policies. We will not expand our customer base for Microsoft’s Network Functions, including the former Metaswitch and Affirmed Networks software products. The telecommunications industry remains a priority industry for Microsoft. We will continue to empower telecommunications organizations to achieve more through a trusted and secure platform built to elevate customer experiences, streamline enterprise operations and business support systems, accelerate network transformation, reinvent product innovation and monetization, and build a secure data-driven business. We appreciate the importance our products provide in supporting your network. We also appreciate the long-term planning that network development requires, so we will communicate our roadmap plans at the earliest opportunity. It is important to note that these changes do not require immediate action from you today, nor do they change any agreement that you have in place with Microsoft. We will continue to meet all customer contractual commitments. If you have any questions, please contact: AFO Sales Questions afosalesqst@microsoft.com. Thank you. FAQ Q: Is there any action I need to take today? When will you have more details to share about retirement dates (Azure services) or End of Life dates (Metaswitch Networks & Affirmed Networks products)? A: We will continue to meet all customer contractual commitments and be consistent with published end-of-life policies. We also appreciate the long-term planning that network development requires, so we will communicate our roadmap plans at the earliest opportunity. Q: Will you still support our cloud and AI transformation? A: Yes, Microsoft is refining the offers we provide to operators to reflect the strong demand for cloud and AI based solutions. Q: If you are announcing an End of Sale for the Affirmed Network and Metaswitch Network products for new customers and net new deployments, what does this mean for my existing service?
Q: What Are you announcing for the Azure for Operators products? A: Here is a summary of these changes:
Q: What is next after you stop selling a product, and how will you manage these products? A: We will continue to support these products in accordance with our existing customer commitments. We will eventually retire these services in accordance with our lifecycle policies. In advance of retirement, we will provide notification as well as details on transition recommendations. We are committed to supporting you through this transition. Here are the current plans for each product, but plans may evolve as we work with customers:
Q: Is Microsoft exiting the telecommunications industry? A: No. Microsoft remains fully committed to supporting the telecommunications industry by empowering them to achieve more with the power of Cloud and AI. The changes to the Azure for Operator portfolio reflect customer demand and enable us to focus on the technologies that drive the most value for our customers and partners. Q: If these changes impacted my contacts at Microsoft, who can I contact? A: We apologize for any inconvenience personnel changes have caused you. Please reach out to your assigned Microsoft Account Executive. For issues requiring escalation, you may contact the following: Questions / inquiries: afosalesqst@microsoft.com Industry Lead Sponsor: silvia.candiani@microsoft.com Support Issues: mhenderson@microsoft.com In-flight Projects (APAC and EMEA) sallywathen@microsoft.com In-flight Projects (Americas): seanjames@microsoft.com Purchase Orders: jason.ryberg@microsoft.com Executive Escalation: shawn.hakl@microsoft.com |