CMC Networks, one of the largest Pan African networks and Middle Eastern carriers, has announced that it now offers direct access to the Microsoft Azure Peering Service, further increasing access to its broad range of cloud services. Clients will now benefit from a low latency and SLA-backed, direct connection to Microsoft across the network spanning 110 Points of Presence (PoPs) in 78 countries. CMC Networks is the third African partner for Azure Peering service.
Microsoft Azure Peering Service is a partnership programme with key service providers to provide best-in-class public Internet connectivity to their enterprise users. Partner ISPs, who are part of the programme will have direct, highly available, geo-redundant connections and optimised routing to Microsoft. It aims to improve Software as a Service (SaaS) services for enterprises looking for an internet-first network strategy for services such as Microsoft 365 and other SaaS services on Azure.
Nico Walters, Global Innovation and Information Manager, CMC Networks, says that Microsoft Azure Peering Services provides a low-latency, high performance option and is an ideal internet solution for those organisations seeking additional connectivity options beyond Azure ExpressRoute: “As digital transformation fast becomes a priority, digital onboarding is often the gateway bottleneck for clients, which is why we are pleased to offer yet another connectivity option. Using a peering service greatly assists in streamlining cloud transitions and in delivering reliable and performance-centric public connectivity to the Microsoft cloud.”
As a networking service, the solution enhances customer connectivity to Microsoft cloud services, SaaS services, or any Microsoft services accessible via the public internet.
Walters says that CMC is the most densely connected African-focused providers servicing 51 of the 54 countries on the continent and the addition of Microsoft Azure Peering Services ensures that clients have access to Microsoft SaaS services that is prioritised, optimised and highly redundant.
