Microsoft’s New Azure Operator Nexus Solution Now Available in Public Preview

Network Security

Microsoft has launched the public preview of its Azure Operator Nexus service. It’s a next-generation hybrid cloud platform that allows communication service providers (CSPs) to run their workloads both on-premises and on Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft’s Azure Operator Nexus platform debuted in private preview in 2022. It’s designed for customers performing network functions, including virtual radio access network (vRAN), packet core, subscriber data management, and more.

Azure Operator Nexus expands on Azure Operator Distributed Services that launched last year. It provides features like Hybrid AKS, Mariner Linux, Arc, observability, and life cycle management. Azure Operator Nexus offers support for NUMA Alignment, CPU Pinning, and Layer 2 Networking. These capabilities are not available in other cloud services such as Azure IaaS.

“Operator Nexus enables operators to use cloud technology to modernize and monetize their network investments—lowering total cost of ownership (TCO), driving operational efficiency and resiliency with advanced AI and automation, improving the security of highly distributed, software-based networks,” explained Jason Zander, Executive Vice President for Strategic Missions and Technologies.

Microsoft's New Azure Operator Nexus Solution Now Available in Public Preview

Additionally, Microsoft has announced its new Azure Operator Nexus Ready program. It allows network operators to integrate containerized network functions (CNF) and virtual network functions (VNF) into their mobile networks.

Microsoft announced the public preview of two AIOps services

Microsoft released Azure Operator Insights and Azure Operator Service Manager in public preview. Azure Operator Insights leverages AI to analyze large amounts of data collected from network operations and troubleshoot health issues. Moreover, the Azure Operator Service Manager tool enables network operators to gain insights regarding their network operations.

Last but not least, Microsoft announced the general availability of its Azure Private 5G Core solution. The Multi-Access Edge Compute service allows operators to deploy a 5G standalone network for customers with Azure Stack Edge.