The new agreement builds on the existing partnership between the companies, with a few core areas now in scope. Those areas include an agreement to collaborate on new Internet of Things (IoT) industry solutions that help UK and global customers take advantage of the efficiency and innovation benefits next generation connectivity offers.
BT will also become a channel partner for AWS Marketplace, providing a single source for managed solutions to its customers. In addition, new 5G edge computing services for BT’s UK business customers will be powered by AWS Wavelength.
The two companies said the collaboration agreement will collectively target a $500m revenue opportunity for BT across the spectrum of connectivity and digital solutions and services over the next five years.
Thomas Duecke, chief operating officer for digital, BT Group, explained, “AWS and BT Group have shared ambitions at the intersection of cloud and connectivity, and we’re delighted that we have this partnership to frame how we will work together to accelerate these outcomes, for our customers and for the Group.”
Adolfo Hernandez, vice president and general manager, telecom global industry business unit, AWS, added, “Moving from a connectivity provider to a digital services provider is a strategic shift to help communication service providers unlock growth. This new agreement with AWS helps BT accelerate that journey and deliver greater value to its customers.”
BT Group’s IoT platform is already built on AWS, delivering connected device capabilities across healthcare, smart places, ports, manufacturing and transport and logistics, including work at Belfast Harbour and the Association of British Ports in Ipswich.
As part of this agreement, the two companies will work together to advance BT’s existing IoT services and create new ones that combine AWS services with BT’s network and service delivery expertise to solve problems for customers across a variety of vertical industries.
BT becoming an AWS Marketplace channel partner will allow the company to offer additional enhanced managed security and third-party SaaS solutions to its customers globally. BT has already started offering customers the opportunity to buy software elements of managed service agreements through the AWS Marketplace.