SK Telecom and Microsoft sign MOU for comprehensive cooperation in cutting-edge ICT

SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM) and Microsoft Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on May 7 for comprehensive cooperation in leading-edge ICT, including 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud.

Under the MOU, SK Telecom and Microsoft will combine their technological capabilities in areas such as 5G, AI and cloud to jointly promote Internet of Things (IoT) business including smart factory; AI technologies and services; media and entertainment services; and new ways of working for ICT companies under the SK Group umbrella.

To promote smart factory IoT business operations, the two companies established a business strategic partnership in February 2019 to launch Microsoft Azure with Metatron, SK Telecom’s self-developed big data solution. SK Telecom and Microsoft will work together to further upgrade the service and implement joint marketing activities.

By putting together the capabilities of SK Telecom’s AI platform NUGU with Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant, the two companies will work together to offer new AI-powered products and services, including consumer solutions such as smart speakers and other offerings for the enterprise.

Moreover, the two companies will work together to create a new level of customer experience in the field of media and entertainment.

SK Telecom will adopt Microsoft 365, the company’s intelligent and secure solution to empower employees, to create a modern workplace and promote a new way of working among employees. Eventually, SK Telecom will expand Microsoft 365 to other ICT companies under the SK Group umbrella. In addition, the two companies will provide new value to customers by combining Microsoft’s modern workplace devices and solutions, such as Surface and Office 365, with SK Telecom’s unique products and services.

“SK Telecom is pleased to join hands with Microsoft as collaboration with global leading companies like Microsoft is essential to gain leadership in the 5G market, where competition is already fierce,” said Park Jung-ho, President and CEO of SK Telecom. “SK Telecom will work closely with Microsoft to create an unprecedented value by combining the strengths and capabilities of the two companies.”

“Through the strategic partnership with SK Telecom, we will play a key role in shaping the future and accelerating the digital transformation of the telecommunications industry with our world-class network and technology,” said Jason Zander, executive vice president, Azure, Microsoft. “This will be a deep and multifaceted partnership that strengthens the power of cloud and AI to deliver innovative new services to customers.”

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

About SK Telecom

SK Telecom is the largest mobile operator in Korea with nearly 50 percent of the market share. As the pioneer of all generations of mobile networks, the company has commercialized the fifth generation (5G) network on December 1, 2018 and announced the first 5G smartphone subscribers on April 3, 2019. With its world’s best 5G, SK Telecom is set to realize the Age of Hyper-Innovation by transforming the way customers work, live and play.

Building on its strength in mobile services, the company is also creating unprecedented value in diverse ICT-related markets including media, security and commerce.

Microsoft Office 365 debuts on Apple app store

Microsoft Office 365 has made its long-anticipated debut on Apple’s Mac App Store.

As first announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference last year, albeit a little later than the promised date of the end of 2018, Apple users can now download Office 365 and the signature apps such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel directly from the app store. The apps are the same as the ones currently available in the Microsoft Store, but are packaged more conveniently in the Mac App Store.

“We are excited to welcome Microsoft Office 365 to the all new Mac App Store in macOS Mojave,” Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing said in a statement. “Apple and Microsoft have worked together to bring great Office productivity to Mac users from the very beginning. Now, with Office 365 on the Mac App Store, it’s easier than ever to get the latest and best version of Office 365 for Mac, iPad and iPhone.”

After downloading the programs, users can sign up for Office 365 within the apps. As The Verge notes, the main benefit is the automatic updates from the Mac App Store, instead of having to use Microsoft’s update tool.

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