Verizon extends Microsoft partnership to provide Azure-based CDN

Verizon today announced that they will be extending their partnership with Microsoft to provide Azure-based CDN. Under the partnership, Azure Storage will be available to all Verizon Digital Media Services Edgecast Content Delivery Network (CDN) users, providing “resilient, infinitely scalable object storage that is ideal for media and metadata” (via marketwired.)

According to the press release, Edgecast CDN customers can “take advantage of Azure Storage as part of one single solution from only one vendor.” With this one easy-to-manage contract and support system, content providers will be able to, “maximize the impact of their technology and spend with confidence in the quality and performance of both their storage and content delivery network.” In a statement, Kyle Okamoto, chief network officer for Verizon Digital Media Services remarked on the extended partnership.

“We are pleased to work with Microsoft to now give our Edgecast CDN customers streamlined access to a trusted and exceptionally robust cloud storage service… We value Microsoft’s continued investment and innovation in cloud technology, which complements our commitment to providing our customers with optimized solutions that meet the increasing demands of today’s media landscape.”

Verizon Digital Media Services and Microsoft have customized application programming interfaces within each other’s platforms, as well as some highly integrated network interconnections.  A number of Microsoft services including Xbox and Skype, utilize the Edgecast CDN. In the words of Tad Brockway, general manager, Azure Storage at Microsoft Corp:

We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Verizon Digital Media Services throughout the years and are delighted to expand upon our effort… Offering access to Azure Storage on the Edgecast CDN brings fast, dependable and easy-to-manage solutions to even more content owners and providers

Interested parties can learn more about the extended partnership by visiting this website. Once you’ve checked it out, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!