With Google Cloud, Nokia is focused on developing solutions combining its integrated RAN, Open RAN, vRAN and edge products with Google’s edge and application ecosystem. Today the companies are working to run Nokia’s 5G vDU and vCU with the Google’s Anthos edge platform; there’s also plan to test Nokia’s standalone core and vCU on Anthos.

With Amazon Web Services, Nokia is working up proof of concepts around cloud RAN and how to use AWS to support 5G deployments and put together new use cases. According to Nokia, “The initiative will see engineering teams from both companies research how the combination of [Nokia’s RAN portfolio] and edge solutions can operate seamlessly with AWS Outposts. This collaboration will enable…CSPs and enterprises with 5G connectivity to utilize AWS across the topology of the mobile network.”

With Microsoft Azure, the focus on enterprise is even more explicit, focused in on private 4G and 5G private network use cases to “drive end-user business outcomes.” Nokia sketched out a three-stage project: combining its Cloud RAN, Open RAN, RAN Intelligent Controller, and edge cloud with Azure’s Private Edge Zone; integrating the 5G RAN with Azure core (recall Microsoft’s acquisitions of Affirmed Networks and Metaswitch); and “explor[ing]further opportunities to incorporate Nokia Airframe Open Edge server as part of its telco edge strategy.”

In a comment included in the press release regarding the Microsoft partnership, Nokia’s President of Mobile Networks Tommi Uitto said, “Open collaboration is key to the development of new and innovative high-value 5G use cases that will equip our customers with the tools they need for digital transformation. This is part of Nokia’s continued commitment to leading an open mobile future, making it simple for our customers to take advantage of the 5G world helping to drive it forward.”