NTT DATA, a global leader in IT infrastructure and services, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, a pioneer in digital transformation for energy management and automation, have unveiled an unprecedented joint innovation that allows companies to harness the power of edge computing. This strategic partnership introduces a unique solution that seamlessly integrates Edge, Private 5G, IoT, and Modular Data Centers, providing unmatched connectivity and supporting the computational demands of Generative AI applications deployed at the edge.
The combined offering combines NTT DATA’s Edge as a Service, which includes fully managed Edge to Cloud capabilities, Private 5G, and IoT, with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure, a modular data center that merges Operational Technology (OT) solutions with the latest in IT technologies. This powerful combination enables enterprises to maximize energy efficiency and meet the demands of computationally intensive tasks, such as machine vision, predictive maintenance, and other AI inference applications at the edge.
“We listen to our customers and understand that processing massive amounts of data generated by devices at the edge is where the future of digital transformation lies. That is why we are excited to announce that we have the solution to address these challenges and are ready to lead the way towards a more connected and efficient digital world. We are thrilled about what our continued collaboration with Schneider Electric means for the industrial sector and others,” said Shahid Ahmed, EVP of New Ventures and Innovation at NTT Ltd.
Customers can now deploy a complete solution, including edge data centers designed for digital transformation in remote and brownfield locations, where high computational demands are critical for infrastructure, such as power, cooling, racks, and specialized IoT and AI management systems.
Companies are turning to the market to address customers’ joint requirements to meet the growing demand from organizations looking to leverage edge computing to support automation and enable data-driven decision-making. According to NTT DATA’s Edge Advantage report, nearly 70% of companies are accelerating the adoption of edge computing to address critical business challenges.
With today’s announcement, NTT DATA and Schneider Electric announced that they are delivering the first Private 5G-enabled EcoStruxure Data Center implementation in Marienpark Berlin. The historic site will be developed into a leading innovation park, covering more than 30 hectares and focusing on providing enhanced connectivity and computing experiences for users across the campus.
“The current innovation ecosystems in Marienpark increasingly rely on specific technological infrastructures. Easy access to computational power combined with advanced connectivity is a key theme. We need an innovative environment with such infrastructure to meet the future demands of users in our community,” said Guido Schütte, Managing Director of Marienpark Berlin.
NTT DATA and Schneider Electric initially co-innovated to test the power of Private 5G at Schneider Electric’s Smart Factory in Lexington, the first of Schneider Electric’s plants in the US to become a Smart Factory showcase site leveraging Private 5G, IoT connectivity, edge analytics, and predictive analytics to drive energy efficiency and advance sustainability goals.
“After leveraging NTT DATA’s expertise in Private 5G connectivity and then maximizing synergies with our EcoStruxure architecture at our facilities, it is time to expand our collaboration and bring a complete solution to industrial customers,” said Rob McKernan, President of the Cloud and Service Provider Segment at Schneider Electric. “Together, we aim to help global customers embrace connected devices, specialized industrial solutions, and the right edge computing infrastructure with Modular Data Centers to gain valuable data insights, especially in the context of emerging IoT and AI requirements.”
This collaboration addresses the challenges posed by Industry 4.0 applications, ensuring seamless connectivity, high bandwidth, and secure, low-latency connections through edge data centers.
“Industry 4.0 is built on actionable data intelligence delivered in real-time, whether in a factory, industrial park, airport, or office campus,” said Camille Mendler, Chief Analyst of Enterprise Services at Omdia. “AI-enriched data already accounts for a third of enterprise network traffic but will dominate digital interactions by 2030. To benefit from AI insights, companies must invest in digital resources at the edge and the technological infrastructure that powers it, now.”
NTT DATA and Schneider Electric will discuss their co-innovation partnership and demonstrate how edge and Private 5G are transforming industries on February 26th between 13:00 and 14:00 at NTT DATA’s booth in Hall 4 – Stand 4A20 at the Mobile World Congress.