A co-innovation that enables businesses to take advantage of edge computing has been announced by NTT DATA, a worldwide supplier of IT infrastructure and services, and Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation. To meet the computational needs of edge-deployed GenAI applications, the strategic alliance offers a new solution that seamlessly blends Edge, Private 5G, IOT, and Modular Data Centers.
In the collaborative offering unveiled at the 2024 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure modular data center – which integrates the newest IT technologies with OT solutions – and NTT DATA’s Edge as a Service solution – which offers fully managed Edge to Cloud, Private 5G, and IoT capabilities – are combined. Companies can satisfy the needs of compute-intensive operations like machine vision, predictive maintenance, and other AI inferencing applications at the edge and optimize energy efficiency thanks to this combination.
“We’ve listened to our customers and know that processing vast amounts of data generated by edge devices is where the future of digital transformation lies. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we have the solution to meet these obstacles and are ready to lead the way towards a more connected and efficient digital world,” said Shahid Ahmed, EVP New Ventures, and Innovation at NTT. “We are thrilled at the prospect of what our continued collaboration with Schneider Electric means for the industrial and other sectors. Customers can now implement a complete solution, including edge data centers tailored for digital transformation in remote and brownfield locations, where high compute demands critical infrastructure, such as power, cooling, racks, and specialized IoT and AI management systems.”
EcoStruxure Data Center in Marienpark Berlin
The companies will go to market to address joint customer requirements to meet the growing demand from organizations who are looking to leverage edge compute to support automation and enable data-driven decision making. Nearly 70% of businesses are speeding up the deployment of edge technology to address important business concerns, according to NTT DATA’s Edge Advantage research.
With this news, NTT DATA and Schneider Electric announced they are delivering the first Private 5G enabled deployment of an EcoStruxure Data Center at Marienpark Berlin. A premier innovation park is planned to be built on the historic site. With a total size of approximately 30-hectares, or 74 acres, the facility’s main goal is to provide users on campus with improved computing and networking experiences.
“Today’s innovation ecosystems in Marienpark increasingly depend on specific technological infrastructures,” said Guido Schütte, Managing Director, Marienpark Berlin. “Easy-to-access computational power combined with advanced connectivity are a key issue. We need an innovative environment with such an infrastructure to satisfy future user demands of our community.”
Private 5G Connectivity
The first plant in Schneider Electric’s U.S. to be designated as a Smart Factory showcase site, Lexington Smart Factory, used edge analytics, predictive analytics, IoT connectivity, and Private 5G to drive energy efficiency and advance sustainability goals. NTT DATA and Schneider Electric first collaborated to test the potential of Private 5G at this plant.
“After leveraging NTT DATA’s expertise in Private 5G connectivity and then maximizing synergies with our EcoStruxure architecture in our facilities, it’s time to expand our collaboration and bring a complete solution to industrial customers,” said Rob McKernan, President, Cloud & Service Provider Segment at Schneider Electric. “Together, we aim to assist global clients in adopting connected devices, specialized industrial solutions, and the right edge computing infrastructure with modular data centers to gain valuable data insights, particularly in the context of IoT and emerging AI requirements.”
By guaranteeing uninterrupted connectivity, large bandwidth, and safe, low-latency connections via Edge data centers, the partnership tackles the difficulties posed by industry 4.0 applications.
“Real-time delivery of actionable, data-driven intelligence is essential for Industry 4.0, regardless of the location – a factory, industrial park, airport, or office campus,” said Camille Mendler, Chief Analyst, Omdia’s Enterprise Services. “By 2030, AI-enriched data will predominate digital interactions, accounting for one-third of business network traffic now. Businesses must invest in digital resources at the edge and the technical infrastructure that supports them right now if they want to benefit from AI insights.”
