Mangata Networks, an enterprise based in Arizona specialising in satellite-enabled connectivity and intelligent Edge computing, has entered into a collaborative agreement with Microsoft. This alliance aims to develop an AI-enhanced Edge Cloud product linked via satellite.
The partnership signifies a long-term commitment between the two firms, embarking on a journey to progressively evolve Cloud technology through pioneering satellite connectivity.
Mangata’s role in this partnership is to provide global connectivity and intelligent Cloud computing services, thus extending the reach of Azure’s innovations worldwide.
The network operates through a combination of highly elliptical orbit and medium Earth orbit satellites, alongside a terrestrial network of Edge data centres.
Through Azure Marketplace, Mangata and Microsoft will offer their product, featuring end-to-end application-level service level agreements integrated with connectivity. This arrangement ensures users experience a seamless integration of products and services.
Brian Holz, CEO of Mangata Networks, expressed enthusiasm about this strategic collaboration with Microsoft. He emphasised the significant role of Microsoft’s direct sales channels in scaling their innovations globally. Holz described the offering as a comprehensive network, infrastructure, platform and software service, incorporating capacity within the service for a simplified customer adoption process.
The partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to innovation, with Mangata collaborating with Microsoft on an integrated product roadmap spanning Edge, space, and Cloud.
Mangata, leveraging Microsoft’s expertise in generative AI and data analytics, aims to revolutionise the product innovation lifecycle. This includes integrating AI capabilities comprehensively, from gathering customer feedback to developing, testing, deploying, and supporting solutions tailored to customer needs. The initiative is designed to deliver adaptive Azure Cloud solutions, addressing complex business challenges at the Edge and fostering user outcomes in culturally sensitive ways.
Mangata’s managed service will enhance Azure adaptive Cloud’s geographical reach and functionality. The collaboration will introduce features like AI-enhanced network routing at the Edge, bandwidth optimisation, workload management, real-time data processing, digital twin support, satellite backhaul management, and Cloud-Edge IoT applications, integrating with technologies such as 5G.
Microsoft will position Mangata as an independent software vendor on the Azure platform, supporting Mangata’s growth with technology, resources, engineering, and marketing support.
With Edge computing and data management capabilities, users can process data where it’s generated, reducing latency and accelerating insights. Data, previously discarded due to bandwidth constraints, can be utilised in Cloud services like Microsoft Fabric for training AI models, providing deeper operational insights.
For organisations with strict data sovereignty requirements, data can be processed at the Edge, adhering to national or regional regulations, with only permissible data sent to the public Cloud.
Mitra Azizirad, chief operating officer for Microsoft’s strategic missions and technologies, looks forward to delivering a comprehensive Cloud and Edge platform for enterprise and government clients. This platform, she notes, will enable critical applications through satellite connectivity. Mangata will use Microsoft Azure Space and Azure for Operators for their satellite constellation and Edge platform, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to delivering secure and resilient technology.
This collaboration addresses sovereign state needs, enterprise innovation, maritime and digital ocean transformation, data gravity, and telecommunication access and capacity issues. Mangata’s mission complements Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, aiming to bridge the digital divide globally.
The user trial network’s pilot phase is set to commence in mid-2024, preceding Mangata’s planned constellation launch.
This initiative is expected to transform how businesses and governments worldwide utilise Edge Cloud connectivity via satellite technology. The partnership between Microsoft and Mangata is seen as a stepping stone towards a more connected, intelligent, and accessible future, marking the commencement of a long-term relationship.
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