ICT service provider KPN has partnered with Dutch blockchain startup, Unchain to provide a technology stack to quickly build and deploy projects. This ‘blockchain-as-a-service stack’ will use Unchain’s Blockchain Gateway and will be built on the Microsoft Azure Stack, allowing customers to make enterprise-grade proofs-of-concept (POC).
KPN, which already offers Blockchain as a Service is looking to grow this element of its business, as part of its Hybrid Cloud offering. KPN has a comprehensive cloud environment based on its data centers in The Netherlands. Amsterdam-based Unchain are aiming to provide an easy, secure and open integration platform for enterprise-level clients.
Natalia Mackevicius, Director of Azure Stack, Microsoft, said, in a statement: “We’re proud that KPN looks to Microsoft Azure Stack as their trusted hybrid cloud foundation for their initiative with unchain.io, applying our cloud-based services into value-add solutions to meet their customer needs. Microsoft is committed to helping our customers simplify blockchain technology and implementations.”
The Blockchain Gateway is an integration platform which enables organizations to connect to their blockchain technology of choice. It is already being used in selected engagements through the companies’ Early Access Program.
Berit Fuss, Director of Ecosystem Development at Unchain, said, in a statement: “In the blockchain marketplace there is a clear need to take defined use-cases into a Proof-of-Concept in an easy, cost-effective manner. The announced service makes this a reality, by offering a user-friendly, trusted environment and from there the ability to grow successful PoC initiatives into pilot- and production environments.”
Microsoft has a long-standing relationship with KPN, which uses Azure Stack in its Hybrid Cloud Services. This enables KPN to run hybrid applications on-premises which meet performance or regulatory requirements.
