Microsoft and AWS Aim to Remove a Key Multicloud Networking Challenge

Organizations have spent years navigating complex configurations to connect Microsoft Azure and AWS networks, despite cloud providers downplaying the technical barriers to multicloud adoption. Now, as AI workloads and distributed applications increase the need for fast, reliable cross-cloud connectivity, Microsoft and AWS are introducing a new service to reduce much of that networking complexity.

Microsoft has introduced Azure Multicloud Interconnect for AWS, a new networking service developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services. This offering combines Azure Multicloud Interconnect with AWS Interconnect – multicloud to provide dedicated private connections between Azure and AWS environments through a more streamlined provisioning experience. Microsoft highlighted that this service can deliver high-bandwidth connectivity of up to 100 Gbps while reducing much of the complexity traditionally associated with multicloud networking.

Why is cross-cloud networking becoming more important?

Many enterprises have embraced multicloud strategies and selected Azure, AWS, or other cloud platforms based on workload requirements, cost considerations, or access to specialized services. However, connecting those environments has often required organizations to coordinate networking, routing, monitoring, and provisioning across multiple providers, which creates delays and operational overhead. Microsoft and AWS are positioning the new service as a way to simplify those processes and accelerate deployment of applications that span multiple clouds.

The timing is especially notable as organizations expand AI initiatives. AI applications frequently rely on data stored across different cloud environments, which makes secure and high-performance connectivity increasingly important. Microsoft says Azure Multicloud Interconnect is designed to support these workloads while maintaining security, compliance, and performance requirements.

What does Azure multicloud interconnect include?

Azure Multicloud Interconnect is built on open API specifications designed to enable network interoperability between cloud providers. Microsoft says this service offers private connectivity, enterprise-grade security, scalability, and simplified management, and integrates with Azure Private Link to provide end-to-end private networking paths across cloud boundaries. The company also says the architecture is designed to scale as bandwidth requirements increase.

Microsoft targets broader cloud interoperability

Microsoft mentioned Azure Multicloud Interconnect as part of a broader push toward open cloud interoperability. The company believes the same standards-based approach could eventually extend beyond Azure and AWS to include other hyperscalers, telecommunications providers, and network service providers. The goal is to create a more consistent and automated way for organizations to establish connectivity across increasingly distributed IT environments.

Microsoft’s new Interconnect – multicloud service is currently available in preview with Microsoft Azure in various AWS regions, including US East, US West, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Going forward, Microsoft and AWS plan to expand availability to other regions, increase bandwidth options, and improve this service based on customer feedback.