Google Cloud and Orange are the latest telco-cloud duo to announce a partnership focused on capitalising on edge computing enthusiasm.

With Orange bringing smarts on how to deliver connectivity solutions in a multi-national environment, while Google comes armed with expertise in cloud, AI and digital transformation, this is another example of the two segments collaborating to find new fortunes on the edge of networks.

“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,” said Stephane Ricard, CEO of Orange. “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 data centres, this is the perfect time to work on new services and opportunities in French and European markets.”

“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,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google. “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.”

With AI being one of the main pillars for Orange’s Engage 2025 strategy, it should hardly come as a surprise it has linked up with one of the cloud giants, though Google Cloud is an interesting choice. Each of the major cloud players are attempting to bolster their telco capabilities, though Google seems to be making very healthy progress.

Through this agreement, the pair will build a next-generation data analytics and machine-learning platform, as well as integrating the AI capabilities of Google to improve Orange’s cybersecurity efforts. But looking at the edge, the duo plan to build an Innovation Lab and a Centre of Excellence for the creation of new products and services.