PARIS, July 28, 2020
/PRNewswire/ -- Orange and Google Cloud today announced a
strategic partnership to accelerate the transformation of Orange's
IT infrastructure and the development of future cloud services, in
particular edge computing. The agreement reinforces Orange's
commitment, as set out in its Engage 2025 plan, to drive its
internal transformation through the innovative and widespread use
of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in order to improve
operational efficiency and the customer experience. The
collaboration will also pave the way for the development of new
advanced cloud, edge computing and cybersecurity services that will
open up business opportunities for both Google Cloud and
Orange.
Google Cloud and Orange will closely collaborate to ensure the
partnership's success. Google will provide its know-how in
cutting-edge cloud technologies, world-class analytics and AI
tools, as well as proven digital transformation methodology and
dedicated resources. Orange will contribute its deep expertise in
information and communication technology services and its
multi-national network infrastructure.
The agreement signals a firm commitment to use AI and data to
increase the pace of transformation across Orange's European
footprint, placing data at the heart of the Group's innovation
model. To do this, Orange plans to build a next-generation data
analytics and machine-learning platform with Google technologies.
The partnership will also benefit consumers and businesses across
Europe by bringing powerful
cloud-computing capabilities to the edge of the network, such as in
retail, gaming, and other industries.
The strategic partnership will also strengthen Orange Business
Services' portfolio of offers by bringing value-added analytics and
additional cloud services based on Google Cloud solutions, building
on Orange's position as a multi-cloud services provider for its
enterprise customers across the globe, and strengthening Orange
Cyberdefense's leading capabilities. With this agreement, Google
Cloud further reinforces its presence in Europe as a significant player in the cloud
sector providing advanced technologies and services across all
major industries, including businesses both small and large.
Driving the next generation of cloud services
The
partnership will also work on the development of future edge
computing services as 5G networks are rolled out across
Europe and cloud computing
increasingly benefits from integration into the network. Edge
computing is set to become key in the race to meet new consumer and
enterprise requirements for low-latency and high-speed services.
The cooperation will combine the strengths of Google Cloud and
Orange to provide flexible, secure and cutting-edge solutions for
the B2B, Wholesale and B2C markets. It will contribute to the
enhanced connectivity offerings that Orange provides to its
wholesale, B2B and retail customers.
Orange and Google Cloud also agree to jointly create an
Innovation Lab and a Center of Excellence that will both foster
innovation and growth:
- The Innovation Lab will enable new industry solution
development based on data and AI within the broader framework of
the evolving 5G / edge computing ecosystem.
- The Center of Excellence will provide Google Cloud support for
Orange France and other Orange affiliates as they engage in their
cloud transformation. The center will provide training in data, AI
and cloud services for several thousand Orange employees.
Commenting on the partnership, Stéphane Richard, Chairman and
CEO of Orange, said: "Orange is a pioneer of digital transformation
and is pleased to partner with Google to accelerate its data and AI
transformation and continue towards a better service for its
customers. Google has been a long term partner of Orange and, as
Google is eager to invest in Europe - and especially in France - to develop new datacenters, this is
the perfect time to work on new services and opportunities in
French and European markets."
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and
Alphabet, said:
"The strength of Orange's network, combined with Google Cloud's
platform, will help pave the way for new advanced cloud and edge
computing services for the telecommunications industry in
Europe. We look forward to working
together with Orange to bring new services and applications to
customers and businesses alike, while also continuing to grow our
support for European enterprises in their digital transformation
journeys."
About Orange
Orange is one of the world's leading
telecommunications operators with sales of 42 billion euros in 2019 and 145,000 employees
worldwide at 31 March 2020, including
85,000 employees in France. The
Group has a total customer base of 253 million customers worldwide
at 31 March 2020, including 208
million mobile customers and 21 million fixed broadband customers.
The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading
provider of global IT and telecommunication services to
multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services.
In December 2019, the Group presented
its new "Engage 2025" strategic plan, which, guided by social and
environmental accountability, aims to reinvent its operator model.
While accelerating in growth areas and placing data and AI at the
heart of its innovation model, the Group will be an attractive and
responsible employer, adapted to emerging professions.
Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New
York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN).
For more information on the internet and on your mobile:
www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com or to follow us on Twitter:
@orangegrouppr.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included
in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services
Limited.
About Google Cloud
Google Cloud provides organizations
with leading infrastructure, platform capabilities and industry
solutions. We deliver enterprise-grade cloud solutions that
leverage Google's cutting-edge technology to help companies operate
more efficiently and adapt to changing needs, giving customers a
foundation for the future. Customers in more than 150 countries
turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to solve their most
critical business problems.
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SOURCE Google Cloud