- Microsoft will deploy 3M’s expanded beam optics technology in Azure data centers, becoming the first hyperscale cloud provider to announce its use.
- The connector is designed for faster installation and reduced need for cleaning and inspection in dense fiber environments.
Fact
Microsoft will deploy 3M’s expanded beam optics technology in Azure data centers, becoming the first hyperscale cloud provider to announce its use. The two companies did not disclose the number of sites, deployment timeline, or contract value.
The technology expands the optical beam across the connector interface rather than relying on direct contact between fiber ends. It is designed for faster installation, greater tolerance to contamination, and reduced need for cleaning and inspection. Microsoft said early use showed the potential to shorten deployment timelines in some environments. Separately, in March, 3M announced plans to more than double its US production capacity for EBO.
Assessment
Microsoft is changing how some fiber connections are installed inside Azure data centers. For engineering teams, cable suppliers, and contractors, the practical issue is the cleaning and inspection required during dense fiber deployments.
3M’s expanded beam design is less reliant on clean, direct contact between fiber ends. As a result, installation teams may spend less time cleaning and inspecting each connection. Microsoft has not published measured results, and neither company has said how many Azure data centers will use the technology.
For BTW readers, the agreement ties a large-scale deployment to 3M’s planned production capacity increase. Wider commercial adoption will require evidence that the installation benefits reported in early use can be replicated in real data centers.
What to Watch
Look for details on the scale of Microsoft’s EBO deployment, any published results on installation time or cleaning/inspection work, and progress on 3M’s plans to expand US production.