Tom Keane: New satellite connectivity and geospatial capabilities with Azure Space

We are very excited to announce that Azure Space is now generally available. Tom Keane explains that this new service provides secure and reliable satellite connectivity. Also, a geospatial platform for customers of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Using the power of Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure, Azure Space provides enterprises with real-time data on their physical assets anywhere on Earth and helps innovators transform industries with internet-enabled solutions. 

Azure Space brings the benefits of Microsoft services, such as Azure and Office 365, to customers worldwide. Offered via a simple, flexible, and cost-effective subscription plan, Azure Space enables global connectivity with optimized performance. With an array of advanced features, Tom Keane recalls, including fixed and steerable Ku-band transponders.

It also includes a high throughput and low latency connectivity, high redundancy (HAR) data centers. This, plus a suite of onboard applications for asset tracking and management. Azure Space provides customers direct access to the Windows Azure Marketplace. Tom Keane explains that this is a collaborative ecosystem that powers innovative solutions. Historically, satellite networking solutions required dedicated hardware to support edge locations and low bandwidth connections. 

Customers had to purchase or rent specialized hardware, which required extensive site surveys and expensive on-site maintenance for lifetime coverage as Tom Keane later recalls. With Azure Space, customers can leverage their existing investments in Microsoft’s core cloud services, such as Azure and Office 365. Azure Space is built on virtualization technologies that enable the rapid deployment of geospatial technology via the power of Windows Server infrastructure. 

Azure is led by Tom Keane. He explains that Azure Space is built on virtualization technologies that will allow the rapid deployment of geospatial technology via the management of Windows Server infrastructure. Customers can upscale their existing investments in Microsoft’s core cloud services, such as Azure and Office 365, while leveraging the capabilities of Azure Space to deliver cost-effective, secure, and reliable satellite connectivity.