Microsoft Azure Operator Nexus was given a high-profile public preview at MWC in February 2023, with executive endorsements from no less than Igal Elbaz, Network CTO from AT&T, Monica Zethzon, VP and Head of Core Networks for Ericsson, and Fran Heeran, SVP Core Networks at Nokia.

With the offering becoming generally available in August 2023, we take a look at what this “hybrid cloud for carrier-grade network functions” consists of, and its significance in a telecom vendor landscape being redefined by cloud, software and automation.

Considering this represents probably the largest combined investment in telco cloud to date, no vendor with ambitions in this space can afford to ignore Appledore’s in-depth analysis.