In a notable move aimed at transforming the connectivity landscape, NTT DATA and Zebra Technologies have joined forces to accelerate the adoption and innovation of Private 5G networks. This strategic partnership is pivotal as outdated technologies continue to hinder global innovation—a key challenge highlighted by 80% of respondents in NTT DATA’s Global Lifecycle Management report. Zebra Technologies aims to bring its expertise into NTT DATA’s Device as a Service (DaaS) practice, facilitating the creation of 5G-enabled devices designed for industrial applications, including intelligent asset tracking and real-time management.
Addressing the Need for 5G Device Availability
The Role of 5G in Industrial Applications
The availability of advanced 5G devices is essential for the successful implementation of Private 5G networks, which are anticipated to grow by 35% globally over the next four years. The partnership between NTT DATA and Zebra Technologies aims to address this burgeoning demand by developing next-generation 5G-enabled devices tailored for industrial use cases. These devices promise to revolutionize sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and asset tracking by providing enhanced connectivity and real-time data management capabilities. Industry 4.0 applications and edge AI can significantly benefit from this expanded connectivity, leading to improved efficiency and innovation.
One significant area where the partnership could make a substantial impact is in intelligent asset tracking. In an industrial setting, real-time management of assets can lead to more efficient use of resources, reduction in downtime, and better overall operational efficiency. When coupled with 5G’s high-speed, low-latency communications, these benefits become even more pronounced. The ability to track and manage assets in real time can help companies streamline operations, cut costs, and improve customer satisfaction. These devices, supported by advanced 5G networks, can provide the foundational technology needed to realize these improvements.
Leveraging IoT Trends and Increasing Connectivity
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices offers another layer of significance to this partnership. With an estimated 41 billion IoT devices expected to be in use by 2026, the demand for robust and reliable connectivity solutions will only continue to grow. NTT DATA and Zebra Technologies aim to leverage this trend by providing businesses with the tools and technologies they need to stay competitive in an increasingly connected world. The collaborative effort seeks to integrate 5G capabilities into IoT devices, thereby enabling smarter industries through enhanced data collection, analytics, and real-time decision-making.
The Hyster-Yale Group serves as a case in point, showcasing how this partnership can benefit enterprises by deploying NTT DATA-designed Private 5G networks along with Zebra Technologies’ mobile devices. This combination has led to significant enhancements in operational efficiency for the company. Such implementations serve as pilot cases demonstrating the transformative potential of Private 5G networks in various industrial settings. As more companies realize the benefits of these technologies, the demand for similar solutions is expected to increase, further driving innovation and connectivity within the industry.
Comprehensive Device Lifecycle Management
Device as a Service: A Modern Approach
NTT DATA’s Device as a Service (DaaS) model offers a robust framework that goes beyond mere device provision, encompassing comprehensive lifecycle management. This includes meticulous planning, procurement, configuration, deployment, support, analytics, and eventually, device retirement. By adopting a subscription-based model, enterprises can manage devices more cost-effectively without owning them outright. This model not only reduces financial barriers but also ensures that companies can stay updated with the latest technological advancements. Thus, enabling enterprises to maintain a competitive edge while focusing on their core business operations without the distraction of managing complex IT infrastructure.
Lifecycle management under the DaaS model includes continuous monitoring and analytics, which provide valuable insights into device performance and utilization. This data-driven approach enables proactive maintenance, minimizing downtime and extending the operational lifespan of devices. Additionally, the model offers scalability, allowing enterprises to easily adjust the number of devices based on their needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in fast-evolving industries where the demand for cutting-edge technology can fluctuate. By offering ongoing support and analytics, NTT DATA ensures that enterprises can maximize the value derived from their 5G-enabled devices, contributing to overall operational efficiency and productivity.
Previous Collaborations and Future Directions
NTT DATA’s recent partnership with Zebra Technologies follows a similar collaborative effort with Qualcomm, which strengthens its position within the 5G ecosystem. This alignment is crucial for supporting various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Each of these sectors stands to gain significantly from enhanced efficiency, visibility, and security offered by advanced 5G solutions. By establishing a robust partnership network, NTT DATA aims to deliver holistic solutions that not only meet but exceed industry expectations for connectivity and innovation.
This forward-looking strategy sets the stage for even more transformative collaborations and technological advancements. A focus on continuous innovation ensures that NTT DATA and its partners can quickly adapt to emerging trends and challenges in the fast-paced tech world. As 5G technology becomes increasingly integral to various industrial applications, the collaborative efforts of NTT DATA and its partners are likely to shape the future landscape of global connectivity. By driving innovation and addressing global connectivity challenges head-on, these partnerships promise to deliver unprecedented levels of operational efficiency and technological advancement.
Streamlining Global Innovation
Addressing Outdated Technology
The partnership between NTT DATA and Zebra Technologies is not just about developing new devices; it is a strategic initiative aimed at overcoming the obstacles posed by outdated technology. According to NTT DATA’s Global Lifecycle Management report, 80% of respondents identified outdated technology as a significant barrier to global innovation. The new collaboration seeks to modernize existing infrastructures, thus eliminating these bottlenecks and accelerating the adoption of future-ready solutions. By providing industries with cutting-edge 5G devices and comprehensive lifecycle management, the partnership is poised to drive a new era of digital transformation, streamlining operations and enabling enterprises to achieve their strategic goals.
Innovation is at the heart of this partnership, with both companies committed to providing state-of-the-art connectivity solutions that can redefine industry standards. By addressing the technological gaps that currently hinder progress, NTT DATA and Zebra Technologies are paving the way for more efficient, agile, and responsive business environments. This is particularly important in today’s fast-paced digital economy, where the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies can determine an enterprise’s success or failure. With their combined expertise, the two companies are well-positioned to lead the charge in driving global innovation and enhancing the overall competitiveness of various industries.
Empowering Enterprises for the Future
In a significant initiative to revolutionize connectivity, NTT DATA and Zebra Technologies have partnered to expedite the adoption and innovation of Private 5G networks. This strategic alliance is crucial, especially as outdated technologies continue to impede global technological advancements—a challenge underscored by 80% of respondents in NTT DATA’s Global Lifecycle Management report. Zebra Technologies is set to leverage its specialized expertise within NTT DATA’s Device as a Service (DaaS) offerings, thus enabling the development of 5G-enabled devices tailored for industrial use. These advanced devices will facilitate intelligent asset tracking and real-time management, which are increasingly vital for modern industrial applications. This collaboration aims to address pressing connectivity issues and drive significant improvements in how industrial operations are managed. By integrating advanced 5G capabilities, the partnership promises to foster an ecosystem that supports swift, seamless communication and operational effectiveness, paving the way for future innovations in industrial technology.