SES Reinforces its Cloud Partnership with Amazon Web Services

SES strengthens its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), empowering satellite customers to connect directly to its cloud-based applications.

According to SES, it is the first satellite operator to allow technical and business reviews to directly connect with AWS cloud services instead of taking a deviation through a virtual private network (VPN).

The organization states that its status as an ‘AWS Direct Connect’ partner allows a dedicated connection with AWS at speeds from 50 megabits per second up to 100 gigabits per second. Such speed helps the customers on its satellite network, which operates in geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO).

Other cloud providers run similar programs for a direct connection to the satellite networks to their services.

SES stated that in September 2019, it became an ‘ExpressRoute’ partner for Microsoft’s Azure cloud services.

These partnerships allow satellite customers to competently run applications from areas with limited or no terrestrial communications. In addition, cloud providers get a backup network if their fiber or other infrastructure fails.

SpaceX recently mentioned being a Google cloud partner, it would install ground stations in Google’s data centers for its Starlink broadband satellites as part of their cloud partnership.

SES is also making joint investments in-ground stations for Azure Orbital and Microsoft’s managed service solution for operating satellites.

Amazon has a similar service called AWS Ground Station. It is also planning Project Kuiper, its satellite broadband constellation.

According to JP Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks, “Attaining the status of AWS Direct Connect Partner is another milestone in our cloud-first strategy to offer direct access to multiple cloud providers for the customers. In addition, it will enable them with the flexibility to run workloads in different clouds based on region, function, use case or other business factors.”

“Our multi-orbit and global coverage network offer an amalgamation of highly-performing and low-latency connections that can get customers’ data into AWS from anywhere,” he added.