Microsoft, AWS Launch 100Gbps Bridge

Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have collaborated on a service to privately link their respective cloud platforms, Azure and AWS. The service, Azure Multicloud Interconnect, combines with AWS Interconnect – multicloud to enable private connectivity between infrastructure on the two platforms.

The Azure Multicloud Interconnect is currently in preview and allows connections to operate at up to 100 Gbps from day one. This move is significant, as it overcomes multicloud barriers that the providers previously claimed barely existed.

AWS Interconnect – multicloud now covers all three major rival platforms: Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. This expansion is based on an open specification developed for network interoperability, which can help enable broader interoperability across hyperscale cloud providers.

The solution is a notable shift from the companies' previous stance. Microsoft and AWS had claimed that there were no significant technical barriers to a multicloud strategy or that customers barely needed multicloud solutions. However, the new service acknowledges the complexity of connecting different cloud environments and aims to simplify the process.

## What it means The launch of Azure Multicloud Interconnect is a recognition of the growing demand for multicloud solutions. By providing a private and high-speed link between Azure and AWS, customers can now establish dedicated private connectivity through a simplified experience. This development has the potential to change the way businesses approach cloud infrastructure, enabling them to take advantage of the strengths of different platforms.

## Why it matters The collaboration between Microsoft and AWS is a significant step towards overcoming the technical barriers that have hindered multicloud adoption. As more businesses move to the cloud, the need for seamless integration and interoperability between different platforms becomes increasingly important. The open API specification underlying the solution can help enable broader interoperability across hyperscale cloud providers, paving the way for a more connected and flexible cloud ecosystem.