Microsoft is boosting its investment in 5G technology.
The Seattle-based technology behemoth acquired Acton-based Affirmed Networks, a company that provides virtualized, cloud-native 5G networks, the company announced Thursday.
No financial terms were disclosed.
Founded in 2010, Affirmed Networks claims it delivers the world’s only fully virtualized, cloud-based 5G network solution. It deploys this in over 85 networks worldwide including operators such as AT&T, Vodafone, Du, Digicel and Etisalat. The company has raised $155 million from private investors prior to the acquisition.
In telecommunications, the 5G technology is a marked improvement compared to 4G. It promises greater bandwidth, low latency, or a shorter time for information to be transferred. This next generation of wireless networks will also power technologies including autonomous vehicles, smart cities and virtual reality.
"This acquisition will allow us to evolve our work with the telecommunications industry, building on our secure and trusted cloud platform for operators." corporate vice president of Azure Networking Yousef Khalidi said in a statement."With Affirmed Networks, we will be able to offer new and innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of operators, including managing their network workloads in the cloud."
On the heels of this acquisition, Affirmed Networks also promoted co-founder and COO Anand Krishnamurthy as the company's new president and CEO. Retiring CEO, Hassan Ahmed, will continue as chairman of Affirmed's board of directors.
The news comes at a time when leading mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon Communications and T-Mobile are bringing 5G to Massachusetts.
