Elly Yates-Roberts |
Microsoft and South Korean wireless telecommunications operator SK Telecom have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide and promote new IT opportunities in internet of things (IoT) business, 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), the cloud and new ways of working.
Under the MOU, the firms will combine their strengths to drive media and entertainment services, as well as smart factory technology. This comes after the firms’ strategic partnership in February to launch Microsoft Azure with Metatron, SK Telecom’s self-developed big data solution.
“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.”
In addition, SK Telecom will combine the capabilities of its AI platform NUGU with Microsoft Cortana to offer new AI-powered products and services, including smart speakers and other consumer products.
“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,” said Park Jung-ho, president and CEO of SK Telecom. “SK Telecom will work closely with Microsoft to create an unprecedented value by combining the strengths and capabilities of the two companies.”
SK Telecom will also adopt Microsoft 365 to create a modern workplace, which it will then expand to other IT firms under the SK Group umbrella. The two firm will also try to provide new value to customers by combining solutions such as Surface and Office 365, with SK Telecom’s products and services.