Microsoft said it will acquire Metaswitch Networks, a 39-year-old company that develops software for cloud-based communication networks.

The acquisition builds on Microsoft’s existing cloud-related work to help telecom companies with their 5G deployments. Microsoft inked a 5G partnership with AT&T last year and made a similar acquisition earlier this year, acquiring Affirmed Networks, a Boston-area startup that sells virtualized network software to mobile operators..

“The convergence of cloud and communication networks presents a unique opportunity for Microsoft to serve operators globally via continued investment in Azure, adding additional depth to our hyperscale cloud infrastructure with the specialized software required to run virtualized communication functions, applications and networks,” Azure exec Yousef Khalidi said in a blog post.

Metaswitch Networks has more than 1,000 customers including British Telecom, Vodafone, and others. It has offices in Los Altos, Calif., and London.

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