NTT DATA Launches Fully Managed Ultralight Edge AI Platform

NTT DATA has unveiled its groundbreaking Ultralight Edge AI platform, designed to bridge the gap between IT and operational technologies (OT) with a fully managed solution. This innovative platform addresses the growing need for real-time AI processing at the edge, offering a seamless integration of diverse IoT devices and systems.

Revolutionizing Edge AI: Key Features and Benefits

NTT DATA’s Edge AI platform is the industry’s first fully managed solution that integrates data from sensors, devices, and systems into a unified data plane. This integration allows for on-premises processing and real-time decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting advanced Industry 4.0 technologies.

In contrast to traditional GenAI and Large Language Models (LLMs), which are less suited for real-time applications, NTT DATA’s platform uses compact, task-specific AI models. These models are designed to handle substantial data sets on small computing devices, providing real-time AI insights while reducing complexity and costs.

The Edge AI platform includes comprehensive services for data discovery, collection, integration, computation, connectivity, and AI model management. It simplifies AI deployment by auto-discovering and unifying data from IoT devices and IT assets, addressing the shadow IoT challenge and AI infrastructure needs.

Transforming Industry-Specific Operations

The Edge AI platform supports various industry requirements by deploying lightweight AI models within a compact computing environment. This capability enables real-time data processing and analytics, offering benefits such as improved predictive maintenance in manufacturing and optimized energy consumption with reduced costs and CO2 emissions.

Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT DATA, stated, “Our Edge AI platform marks a significant advancement in secure and cost-effective edge AI deployment. By harmonizing data from disparate sensors and devices with efficient AI models, NTT DATA is leading the way in industrial AI adoption.”

Market Opportunities and Future Growth

IDC projects global spending on edge computing will reach $232 billion in 2024, up 15% from 2023, driven by the proliferation of connected IoT devices, expected to surpass 41 billion by 2025. NTT DATA aims to capture a substantial share of this market with its dedicated IoT consulting and services, leveraging a team of 1,000 experts and over 500 trained sales professionals.

The Edge AI platform offers a free 30-day discovery and diagnostic phase, including asset auto-discovery and a comprehensive diagnostic report. Alejandro Cadenas, Associate Vice President, Telco Mobility & IoT Research at IDC Europe, commented, “NTT DATA’s ultralight Edge AI simplifies data aggregation and insight generation, enhancing enterprise data strategies and reducing risks.”

Securing the Future of Edge AI

NTT DATA’s fully managed Edge AI service provides a unified view and management of devices and sensors, streamlining complex processes and boosting digital transformation efforts. As the first platform of its kind, it transforms physical assets into actionable data insights, enhancing operational efficiency and device security.

Pablo Tomasi, Principal Analyst at Omdia, added, “Edge AI must align with where it creates the most value. NTT DATA’s solution advances the Industry 4.0 vision by integrating IT and OT data with task-specific AI models, democratizing AI adoption and optimizing infrastructure.”