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Persistent Systems Expands Cloud Relay™ to Microsoft Azure

Persistent Systems, LLC, a prominent name in mobile networking solutions, has taken a significant step forward by expanding its Cloud Relay™ Virtual Hub Router to the Microsoft Azure platform. Previously available on Amazon Web Services (AWS), this expansion significantly enhances the capabilities of global distributed operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) and its allied forces.

A New Era of Connectivity

The addition of Cloud Relay™ to Azure unlocks a comprehensive networking framework that facilitates seamless access across multiple platforms. According to Adrien Robenhymer, Vice President of Business Capture for the Air Force at Persistent Systems, Cloud Relay has evolved beyond merely providing Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) connectivity. It now offers a resilient and secure Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), allowing for rapid global deployments and robust connectivity.

This technology connects a variety of systems, including sensors, shooters, warfighters, and devices, creating a unified network that enhances decision-making speed and operational efficiency. This transformation is pivotal in modern warfare where collaboration across various military branches is essential.

Operational Excellence in Exercises

Cloud Relay™ has already shown its capabilities in major military exercises like PC-C5 and Valiant Shield 2024. It forms an integral part of the MANET-Cloud High Mobility Radio (MCHMR) solution, which is crucial for Agile Combat Employment (ACE), enabling swift and flexible responses in various combat scenarios.

Robenhymer stated, “With Cloud Relay and MCHMR, we provide a switchboard that effectively integrates the Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps into a cohesive operational environment. This ensures efficient coordination over extensive distances, the integration of cost-effective systems, and faster decision-making.”

Traditional networks often present single points of failure, but the integration of Cloud Relay enhances resilience, particularly in challenging environments where radio frequencies may be denied or degraded. It serves as the backbone for MCHMR, unifying various transport mechanisms—satellite, cellular, fiber, and government datalinks—allowing services to efficiently extract, share, and act upon vital data.

A Global Perspective

The need for rapid situational awareness and the ability to respond to threats globally cannot be overstated. The deployment of Cloud Relay on Microsoft Azure enables support for up to 60 global regions, significantly widening its accessibility for international operations. This move aligns with the DoD’s commitment to adopting flexible, low-cost, attritable systems while avoiding vendor lock-in.

Ultimately, as Robenhymer pointed out, “The network plays a vital role in communicating to weapon systems when and where they should act.” The network's performance directly translates to enhanced operational capabilities, allowing warfighters to maintain readiness and counter emerging threats effectively.

Future Showcase

Persistent Systems will showcase the capabilities of its Cloud Relay technology at the upcoming AFA Air, Space & Cyber Conference, taking place at the Gaylord Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, from September 22-24. This event will provide an essential platform for demonstrating how innovative networking solutions can redefine operational strategies for military forces.

With its strong focus on engineering and technology, Persistent Systems continues to make strides in enhancing mobile networking for military and commercial applications. Founded in 2007, the company has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions that maintain communication under arduous conditions. Its commitment to improving network reliability and connectivity places it at the forefront of the defense technology landscape.