Cloudflare, Microsoft partnership deepens relationship in Zero Trust market

Cloudflare has announced it has joined the Microsoft 365 Networking Partner Program.

Customers of Cloudflare's Zero Trust platform, Cloudflare One, will now benefit from enhanced connectivity to Microsoft 365 services, enabling them to get faster performance and optimal user experience with Microsoft 365.

"Network design is critical for organisations in any stage of their digital transformation," says Alex Dyner, SVP, Special Projects at Cloudflare.

"By deepening our partnership with Microsoft, we are enabling customers and users to achieve optimal connectivity to Microsoft 365 locally and directly," he says.

"Joint Cloudflare and Microsoft 365 customers will now benefit from reduced network complexity and cost, while achieving greater levels of security and network performance."

Cloudflare One stops data loss, malware, and phishing with a Zero Trust application access and Internet gateway platform. It leverages Cloudflare's security, performance, and reliability services through the same Cloudflare global network that spans more than 250 cities in over 100 countries and blocks an average of 76 billion cyber threats each day. Organisations use Cloudflare's network to optimise, simplify, accelerate and secure their most sensitive corporate traffic.

"We are thrilled to welcome Cloudflare into the Networking Partner Program for Microsoft 365," adds Scott Schnoll, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft.

Cloudflare is a valued partner that is focused on helping Microsoft 365 customers implement the Microsoft 365 Network Connectivity Principles. Microsoft only recommends Networking Partner Program member solutions for connectivity to Microsoft 365."

The Microsoft 365 Networking Partner Program consists of partners whose deployment practices and guidance are aligned with Microsoft's networking recommendations for Office 365. NPP validation adds to the growing collaboration between the two companies, including Cloudflare joining the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association early in 2021 and participating in Microsoft Azure Data Transfer Routing Preference to enjoy lower data transfer costs.

 Meanwhile, in February this year, Cloudfare named Exclusive Networks as a channel partner for Australia and New Zealand.

The partnership formed part of Cloudflare's global channel strategy and continued expansion into the Australia and New Zealand region. This includes Exclusive Networks' industry renowned ANZ distribution partners with well-established training, support, and business development credentials.

Cloudflare's global cloud platform ensures that any customer in the region has close proximity to its full suite of services. The company delivers a range of network services to businesses of all sizes to make their Internet properties more secure while enhancing the performance and reliability.

Raymond Maisano, head of Australia and New Zealand for Cloudflare, said at the time, "As we continue to expand our presence in Australia and New Zealand, partnering with specialised distributors will help us seamlessly support more market segments.

"Local partnerships compliment the global scalability of our network and will be key in expanding our operations to serve joint customers in the region and their users worldwide."