Microsoft looks to boost Azure sales with Affirmed Networks acquisition

Earlier on Thursday, Microsoft (MSFT) announced an agreement to acquire Affirmed Networks, which specializes in virtualized mobile networks. The details of the transaction were not disclosed by either company. "Affirmed Networks virtual evolved packet core solution offers mobile network operators the agility and flexibility necessary to keep up with traffic demand, to scale their networks and deliver differentiated services tailored to specific use cases," said Affirmed Networks in a statement. VIRTUALIZED MOBILE NETWORKS: According to a statement by Microsoft, "Affirmed Networks' fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network solutions enable operators to simplify network operations, reduce costs and rapidly create and launch new revenue-generating services." Microsoft sees its Azure cloud computing platform combined with an "innovation in software," to allow new generations of wireless networks to move away from " purpose-built hardware" and "maintain 5G networks and services more efficiently, more cost-effectively, more rapidly and more securely." CHALLENGE TO MOBILE SOFTWARE: "By acquiring Affirmed, Microsoft is setting itself up to more directly challenge mobile software vendors ranging from Ericsson (ERIC) to Cisco (CSCO) to Mavenir. And it will concurrently position itself against incursions by cloud computing companies like Amazon AWS (AMZN) into the mobile realm," said Mike Dano of Light Reading. PRICE ACTION: Microsoft is advancing almost 4% in afternoon trading. OTHERS TO WATCH: Other companies that may be impacted by this include Adtran (ADTN), Cambium Networks (CMBM), VMware (VMW), and Broadcom (AVGO).