Microsoft Azure ExpressRoutes enables institutions to extend their on-premises network into the Microsoft cloud (Microsoft Azure, Office 365, and CRM Online) over a dedicated private connection. The partnership agreement was established as part of the G?ANT (GN4-1) Project’s cloud activity, led by Andres Steijaert of Dutch NREN SURFnet, who explains further: “This agreement means that for high quality and secure network connections into the Microsoft cloud, European research and education institutions do not need to deal with third parties, but can go direct to the organisations that already provide them with their network connectivity – G?ANT and its NREN partners – thereby reducing connectivity costs and increasing cloud adoption.”
G?ANT CEO Steve Cotter expands, “Through this partnership with Microsoft, G?ANT is providing the high speed connectivity and federated access to 'above-the-net’ services that create a cross-border and multi-disciplinary open environment for research, knowledge sharing and innovation that will drive scientific advances and a stronger European economy. Today’s announcement demonstrates the continued commitment of G?ANT and our NREN partners to deliver innovative cloud-based services to research and education institutions and their users.”
Anthony Salcito, Microsoft Vice President, Worldwide Public Sector – Education adds, “We welcome G?ANT as an ExpressRoute partner. National Research and Education Networks across Europe can provide education and research facilities with private network access to Microsoft cloud services including Azure, Office 365, and CRM Online while using their existing network carriers. This is an important milestone in our relationship with G?ANT and we look forward to working together to bring hyper scale public cloud services to our shared customers.”
