Orange and Google Cloud have announced a strategic partnership that will cover data, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing services.

Google Cloud will contribute its expertise in cloud, analytics, and AI tools, while Orange will use the help of Google technologies to manufacture a state of the art data analytics and machine-learning platform.

Targeting the B2B, B2C, and wholesale markets, the partnership aims to provide “flexible, secure and cutting-edge solutions”, as well as take advantage of the 5G rollout in Europe by developing edge computing services.

The partnership is expected to benefit Orange by expanding its Orange Business Services’ portfolio, while Google Cloud is hoping the deal will strengthen its presence in Europe. 

Orange and Google Cloud are also planning to jointly create an Innovation Lab, which will enable new industry solution development based on data and AI, as well as a Centre of Excellence that will provide training in data, AI and cloud services for several thousand Orange employees.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that the partnership “will help pave the way for new advanced cloud and edge computing services for the telecommunications industry in Europe”. 

“We look forward to working together with Orange to bring new services and applications to customers and businesses alike, while also continuing to grow our support for European enterprises in their digital transformation journeys,” he added.

In a statement, Orange chairman and CEO Stephane Richard said that the French telecom giant is “pleased to partner with Google to accelerate its data and AI transformation and continue towards a better service for its customers”. 

“Google has been a long term partner of Orange and, as Google is eager to invest in Europe – and especially in France – to develop new data centres, this is the perfect time to work on new services and opportunities in French and European markets”, he added.

The news comes weeks after Google Cloud signed a letter of intent with Deutsche Bank, revealing plans to sign a multi-year contract within the next few months. The partnership will accelerate the German bank’s cloud migration and transform its IT architecture, including optimisation of the bank’s current systems in a phased approach.