Microsoft is partnering with South Korea’s SK Telecom, and has signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the production of 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud services. Both companies will be combining their technological infrastructure of the three areas just mentioned to promote Internet of Things business solutions including smart factory, AI technology, media and entertainment, and additional ways of working with ICT companies under the SK Group umbrella.
For SK Telecom, the company will benefit from Microsoft Azure’s infrastructure to power Metatron, a self-developed big data solution it has been working on. Microsoft will help the company upgrade the service and will implement joint marketing activities as well. Park Jung-ho, President and CEO of SK Telecom, stated:
“SK Telecom is pleased to join hands with Microsoft as collaboration with global leading companies like Microsoft is essential to gain leadership in the 5G market, where competition is already fierce. SK Telecom will work closely with Microsoft to create an unprecedented value by combining the strengths and capabilities of the two companies.”
Microsoft will also benefit from SK Telecom as a customer of the Redmond giant’s services, including the integration of the the Cortana virtual assistant to bring AI-powered products and services such as smart speakers to consumers, as well as additional business offerings for enterprise customers. SK telecom will also be using Microsoft 365 to offer workspace solutions for its employees, with an eventual plan to expand it to other ICT companies under the SK group umbrella.
“Through the strategic partnership with SK Telecom, we will play a key role in shaping the future and accelerating the digital transformation of the telecommunications industry with our world-class network and technology,” said Jason Zander, executive vice president of Microsoft Azure. “This will be a deep and multifaceted partnership that strengthens the power of cloud and AI to deliver innovative new services to customers.” Microsoft will additionally be providing workplace devices and solutions such as Surface and Office 365 to be combined with SK telecom’s products and services to bring new ways of benefiting consumers.
