BT, Microsoft partner to simplify hybrid cloud

BT has announced the BT Compute for Microsoft Azure, a new service that allows BT customers to order Microsoft Azure alongside its own cloud services through its Compute Management System (CMS) online management tool.

The service enables customers to build hybrid cloud infrastructure with a single service wrap, contract and on a single bill.

The integration of Microsoft Azure into the CMS expands the choice for BT customers. According to BT, customers can now gain access to Microsoft’s rapidly growing collection of integrated cloud services, including leading Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) computing capabilities.

Neil Lock, Vice President, BT Compute, Global Services, BT, said, “Hybrid cloud has become a major focus for many large enterprises as they choose a variety of cloud solutions to suit their complex business needs. In fact, BT research suggests that 90 percent of its largest customers expect to be using a combination of public and private cloud in the next few years. Through our relationship with Microsoft, customers can build their own hybrid cloud environment and enjoy the benefits of Azure whilst removing costly management concerns from the equation. Our Cloud of Clouds portfolio strategy is all about empowering our customers take advantage of the choice, flexibility and control of cloud without concerns about the complexity and security.”

Aziz Benmalek, Vice President, Worldwide Cloud and Hosting Services, Microsoft Corp, said, “BT is a natural fit to provide managed cloud services on Azure. Through our relationship with BT, we’re able to help customers with their infrastructure management and give them the ability to scale their business in a consistent hybrid cloud environment.”

The service will be available during the final quarter of 2016, adding further value to Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute available through BT Cloud Connect Direct.