Verizon Communications (VZ +1.43%) has called on Microsoft (MSFT 1.57%) to help in its efforts to deliver Internet of Things (IoT) functionality to the world.
In a press release issued Thursday, Verizon announced that its ThingSpace IoT platform, its 5G/LTE network, and its Critical Asset Sensor devices have all been integrated with Microsoft Azure, the tech giant's popular cloud services offering. The goal is to help companies develop and deploy IoT solutions with relative speed and simplicity.
The newly beefed-up platform is already available for use globally. Potential users can sign up for it on Verizon's website.
Image source: Getty Images.
"By integrating the Verizon and Microsoft platforms, we are enabling IoT builders to more easily get their solutions to market, and ultimately, into the hands of users," the telecom giant said in its press release. "It's about moving the IoT industry forward and making it easier for businesses and consumers to benefit from IoT innovation."
Verizon noted that veteran tech company Cognizant Technology Solutions has already put the integrated platform to use, leveraging it to create an Internet of Things application to assist with various aspects of the management of perishable items such as pharmaceuticals and food. This is particularly timely given the challenges of getting such items to market during the coronavirus pandemic.
Although IoT is not as much of a buzzy investor acronym as it was several years ago, the technology itself still holds vast potential as it can enhance a great many systems and processes.
The terms and costs of Verizon and Microsoft's new collaboration have not been made public.
