Orange wants to accelerate its digital transformation and announces that it has signed a strategic partnership with Google Cloud. This agreement will notably enable the group to develop new cloud services, particularly in edge computing. It will also contribute to Orange’s objective as defined in the Engage 2025 strategic plan, which aims to place AI and data at the heart of improving its operational efficiency and customer experience.
This collaboration paves the way for co-innovation in cloud and edge computing services, as well as cybersecurity, creating new business opportunities for Google Cloud and Orange.
Orange and Google Cloud will work closely together to ensure the success of the partnership. Google brings its expertise in advanced cloud technologies, data analysis and AI tools, and a proven approach to supporting transformation. Orange will leverage its expertise in technology and communications services, as well as its international network infrastructure.
Commenting on the partnership, Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO of Orange, said :
“Orange is a pioneer in digital transformation and we are delighted to be working with Google to accelerate our transformation in the data and AI space and continue to improve the services provided to our customers. Google and Orange are longstanding partners and as Google is currently continuing to invest in Europe, particularly in France, to develop new data centres, this is an ideal time to work together on new services and opportunities in the French and European markets. »
Data and Artificial Intelligence
This agreement confirms Orange’s commitment to using AI and data to accelerate the pace of its transformation in Europe, placing data at the heart of the Group’s innovation model.
To achieve this, Orange plans to create a next-generation data analysis and automated learning platform based on Google technologies. In addition, the partnership aims to offer new cloud services at the edge, i.e. located as close as possible to the processing needs of individual and business customers in Europe, addressing in particular distribution, gaming and other industry uses.
The strategic partnership also expands Orange Business Services’ portfolio of offerings with Google Cloud solutions in the areas of data analytics and value-added cloud, reinforcing Orange’s position as a player in multi-cloud services for enterprises and European leader in cybersecurity.
With this agreement, Google Cloud reinforces its role as a major player in the cloud in Europe by offering cutting-edge technologies and services in all sectors of activity, for small and large companies.
Towards a new generation of cloud services
The partnership will also work on the development of future edge computing services in the context of the arrival of 5G networks in Europe and the increasing integration of the cloud into networks. Edge computing will address the new expectations of customers and enterprises requiring ultra-fast, low-latency services and the ability to process large volumes of data in real time.
Combining the strengths of Google Cloud and Orange will enable flexible and secure edge computing solutions for B2B, Wholesale and B2C markets. They will enhance the advanced connectivity offers that Orange provides to its customers.
Orange and Google Cloud also plan to create an innovation lab and a center of excellence that will foster innovation and growth:
- the innovation laboratory will contribute to the development of new industrial solutions based on data and AI for the entire 5G and edge ecosystem.
- the centre of excellence will provide teams with a high level of expertise in data/IA and cloud solutions, in support of Orange projects in France as well as in its other subsidiaries. The centre will offer training on data, AI and cloud services to several thousand Orange employees.
Sundar Pichai, Chairman and CEO of Google and Alphabet, said :
“The strength of the Orange network combined with the Google Cloud platform will pave the way for new cutting-edge cloud and edge computing services for the European telecoms industry. We are also delighted to collaborate with Orange to deliver new services and applications to individuals and organisations, while continuing to support European businesses in their digital transformation. »
Translated from Données, intelligence artificielle et edge computing : Orange et Google Cloud annoncent un partenariat stratégique
