With ExpressRoute Global Reach, customers are able to link ExpressRoute circuits together to make a private backbone network between your on-premises networks via the Microsoft global backbone. With that, Microsoft becomes the global backbone provider of the customer.
That enables customers to always choose the best local MPLS or WAN provider in their area, link them to an ExpressRoute and afterwards link the ExpressRoutes together to build a global Backbone Network.
The following diagram shows a schematic overview:
With ExpressRoute Global Reach, Customers get the option to always choose, the best and cost efficient local provider to connect to Azure. Customer gain also flexibility when choosing providers and are able to easily exchange providers or built cheap WAN Networks of their own. It also an option for smaller ISPs and Network providers because they can now use ExpressRoute to use Microsoft cables through the Atlantic and pacific instead of renting expensive dark fiber of their own.
ExpressRoute Global Reach is currently available in following regions:
- Australia
- France
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Japan
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- United States
Microsoft is currently working to make more regions available. With ExpressRoute Global Reach, Microsoft becomes the second largest telecom provider on the globe and therefore they are a some government regulations and restrictions which need to be cleared first. Afterwards Microsoft will bring the service into those regions first.