NTT DATA, Schneider Electric unveil edge computing solution to transform enterprises

In a move set to redefine the landscape of digital transformation and connectivity, NTT DATA, a global leader in IT infrastructure and services, has joined forces with Schneider Electric, a trailblazer in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. The strategic partnership marks the launch of a pioneering co-innovation that promises to empower enterprises by leveraging the untapped potential of edge computing. This collaboration introduces a cutting-edge solution that integrates Edge, Private 5G, IoT, and Modular Data Centers, setting a new benchmark for connectivity and computational support for Generative AI applications at the edge.

The synergy between NTT DATA’s Edge as a Service, encompassing fully managed Edge to Cloud, Private 5G, and IoT capabilities, and Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure, a modular data center that blends operational technology solutions with the latest IT technologies, enables companies to significantly enhance energy efficiency. This dynamic collaboration facilitates the handling of compute-intensive tasks such as machine vision, predictive maintenance, and AI inferencing at the edge, thereby meeting the burgeoning demands of modern enterprises.

Shahid Ahmed, EVP New Ventures and Innovation at NTT Ltd., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “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. We are thrilled at the prospect of what our continued collaboration with Schneider Electric means for the industrial and other sectors.”

This alliance not only offers tailored edge data centers for digital transformation in challenging environments but also addresses the pressing needs of joint customers eager to leverage edge computing for enhanced automation and data-driven decision-making. With nearly 70% of enterprises accelerating edge adoption, according to NTT DATA’s Edge Advantage report, this partnership is poised to meet the critical business challenges head-on.

Highlighting the initiative’s practical applications, the companies have announced the deployment of the first Private 5G enabled EcoStruxure Data Center at Marienpark Berlin, transforming the historic site into a leading-edge innovation park. This development underscores the vital role of advanced technological infrastructures in supporting today’s innovation ecosystems, as noted by Guido Schütte, Managing Director at Marienpark Berlin.

The collaboration builds on the successful implementation of Private 5G at Schneider Electric’s Lexington Smart Factory, showcasing the potential of this technology in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability goals. Rob McKernan, President, Cloud & Service Provider Segment at Schneider Electric, emphasized the aim to extend this innovative solution to global clients, facilitating the adoption of connected devices and the requisite edge computing infrastructure.

As enterprises navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0, the partnership between NTT DATA and Schneider Electric emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering seamless connectivity, high bandwidth, and secure low latency connections through Edge data centers. Camille Mendler, Chief Analyst at Enterprise Services, Omdia, highlighted the critical role of AI-enriched data in enterprise networks, underscoring the necessity for investment in digital resources at the edge to harness AI insights effectively.

This collaboration between NTT DATA and Schneider Electric not only addresses the immediate challenges of digital transformation but also sets the stage for future advancements in edge computing, promising a more connected and efficient digital world.

The partnership between NTT DATA and Schneider Electric represents a significant milestone in the evolution of edge computing. By integrating advanced technologies like Private 5G and IoT with modular data centers, this collaboration offers a robust solution that addresses the increasing demand for high-speed, reliable computing at the edge. As enterprises continue to adopt AI and IoT technologies, the need for efficient data processing and energy management becomes paramount. This innovative solution not only meets these needs but also paves the way for sustainable growth and digital transformation across industries.