Orange, France’s biggest telecom company, and Google announced a strategic partnership to foster data, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing services. The reason to select Google Cloud is its unmatched AI and ML (Machine Learning) capabilities, which Orange plans to leverage for building the next-generation data analytics and machine learning platform.

The partnership involves the contribution of both tech giants. Google will offer its cloud technologies, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

“The strength of Orange’s network, combined with Google Cloud’s platform, will help pave the way for new advanced cloud and edge computing services for the telecommunications industry in Europe,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, in a statement. “We look forward to working together with Orange to bring new services and applications to customers and businesses alike, while also continuing to grow our support for European enterprises in their digital transformation journeys.”

Both companies agreed to jointly create an Innovation Lab and a Center of Excellence to work toward innovation and growth. The Innovation Lab will develop new solutions based on AI and data on a broader level of 5G and edge computing ecosystem. And the Center of Excellence will provide training in data, AI (artificial intelligence), and cloud services to various Orange employees.

“Orange is a pioneer of digital transformation and is pleased to partner with Google to accelerate its data and AI transformation and continue towards better service for its customers,” Orange Chairman and CEO Stéphane Richard said in a statement. “Google has been a long-term partner of Orange and, as Google is eager to invest in Europe – and especially in France – to develop new data centers, this is the perfect time to work on new services and opportunities in French and European markets.”