Subj : Vodafone signs $1.5bn Microsoft deal for AI, cloud and IoT
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Tue Jan 16 2024 10:00:05

Vodafone signs $1.5bn Microsoft deal for AI, cloud and IoT

Date:
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 09:56:16 +0000

Description:
Microsoft and Vodafone announce plans to boost digital transformation across 
Europe and Africa.

FULL STORY
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Vodafone and Microsoft have lifted the covers off a new, 10-year strategic 
partnership that will see them jointly aim to offer scaled digital platforms 
to over 300 million businesses, public sector organizations, and consumers 
across Europe and Africa. 

As part of the deal, Vodafone has committed to a $1.5 billion investment in 
cloud and customer-focused AI services over the next decade with Microsoft. 

The two-way relationship also has Microsoft intend[ing] to invest an 
undisclosed sum into Vodafones IoT connectivity platform, which is set to 
become its own standalone business by April. Microsoft and Vodafone want to 
accelerate digital transformation 

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group chief executive, said: This unique 
strategic partnership with Microsoft will accelerate the digital 
transformation of our business customers, particularly small and medium-sized 
companies, and step up the quality of customer experience for consumers. 

The alliance aims to overhaul Vodafones customer experience, develop digital 
and financial services for businesses, and revamp the companys global data 
center cloud strategy. 

Vodafone also hopes to expand its platform, ultimately connecting more 
devices, vehicles, and machines. 

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella added: This new generation of AI will unlock 
massive new opportunities for every organization and every industry around 
the world. 

Five key areas of collaboration have been identified by the companies, 
beginning with Vodafones digital assistant, TOBi, which is set to be 
supercharged by generative AI powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI. 

Tighter connections will also be forged between Vodafone and Microsoft in 
terms of IoT, and Vodafone has shared plans to modernize its data centers on 
Microsoft Azure. 

Moreover, the two tech titans hope to help SMEs that use their services to 
grow, with a particular focus on the African continent where digital 
literacy, upskilling, and youth outreach programs are set to be deployed. 
More from TechRadar Pro Vodafone and Amazon team up to upgrade mobile 
networks across the world Transform your own company by deploying the best AI 
tools Check out our roundup of the best productivity tools



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/vodafone-signs-dollar15bn-microsoft-deal-for-ai-
cloud-and-iot


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