Alianza is “a cloud communications platform for service providers” that promises to help operators monetise their networks
Alianza, a cloud communications platform for service providers, announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Microsoft to acquire Metaswitch, a provider of “high-performance” communications software. The idea is it will give Alianza a combined customer base of more than 1,000 communications service providers, including 19 of the top 20 global operators, plus a portfolio of services that will streamline the path to a cloud-orchestrated, AI powered communications future.
This seems to fit in with Microsoft’s revised strategy for the telecoms sector too. Microsoft acquired Metaswitch in 2020 as part of its push into telecoms, right after it bought Affirmed Networks. It went on to set up Azure for Operators later the same year.
However, at MWC 2024, Microsoft sent out signals that it was pivoting its efforts to AI and away from telecoms: in June is took an axe to the Azure for Operators team. Now it seems keen to continue to provide infrastructure and AI services for network operators, having backed away from the network applications business, preferring to address it through partnerships
Yousef Khalidi, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, said, “Alianza’s commitment to innovation and customer experience sets a strong foundation for Metaswitch customers to continue to grow their business.
“The telecommunications industry remains a priority for Microsoft, and we will continue to empower telecom operators to modernize, monetize, and innovate through our secure AI platform. As we advance our cloud platform and AI capabilities, partners like Alianza are crucial for providing support to our mutual customers.”
“The acquisition of Metaswitch is about resetting the playing field and enabling service providers to reassert their market leadership,” added Brian Beutler, founder and CEO, Alianza. “The Alianza cloud communications platform empowers operators to monetize network investments through improved customer experiences and the delivery of modern, high-margin communications service offerings.”
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.