The partnership is expected to provide the bandwidth and low latency that are required to support real-time enterprise applications
Ericsson to trial 5G Edge with Google Distributed Cloud Edge in partnership with Verizon. (Credit: F. Muhammad from Pixabay)
US-based wireless network operator Verizon has partnered with Google Cloud to offer 5G mobile edge computing.
The partnership is aimed at bringing cloud capabilities closer to mobile and connected devices at the edge of Verizon’s network.
As part of the collaboration, Verizon will deliver Google’s compute and storage services to the edge of the local network, with Verizon 5G Edge with Google Distributed Cloud Edge.
The services are expected to provide the bandwidth and low latency that are required to support real-time enterprise applications such as autonomous mobile robots, intelligent logistics and factory automation.
According to Verizon, enterprises in industries from retail to manufacturing will be able to utilise the capabilities of 5G and mobile edge computing, through a combination of Verizon’s private On Site 5G and private 5G Edge with Google Distributed Cloud Edge.
Verizon chief strategy officer Rima Qureshi said: “By working with partners like Google Cloud and Ericsson, we’re building the 5G edge compute ecosystem that will enable enterprises in many industries to benefit from having a completely dedicated private network and edge compute infrastructure on-premise.
“5G Edge with Google Distributed Cloud Edge will give our customers the ability to connect and manage a broad range of devices at scale and speed while also providing highly secure, near real-time connectivity.
“This will allow companies to unlock greater value from data and enable innovative applications involving computer vision, augmented and virtual reality, and machine learning.”
Verizon and Google Cloud are also expected to develop public 5G mobile edge computing for developers and enterprises.
The solution will allow developers to build and deploy applications at the edge of Verizon’s wireless network in various locations throughout the US.
In partnership with Verizon and as part of a proof of concept at its USA 5G Smart Factory, Swedish networking company Ericsson will trial 5G Edge with Google Distributed Cloud Edge.
By deploying Verizon’s Sensor Intelligence solution, the first trial use case will involve fixing a camera to an autonomous mobile robot to scan packages to maintain inventory and location of indirect materials in the factory’s warehouse.
Later, the bar code and shipping label data will be communicated by the robot to the inventory management system through 5G and mobile edge computing, using computer vision to deliver real-time analytics to enhance logistics.