NTT Data, a leader in IT infrastructure and services, has formed a strategic partnership with Zebra Technologies to enhance private 5G device solutions for enterprises, aiming to foster AI deployment at the edge.
This collaboration seeks to accelerate innovation within the 5G device ecosystem, paving the way for widespread usage across various industries.
Advancing Private 5G Adoption
Under this multi-year agreement, NTT Data and Zebra Technologies will facilitate the adoption of 5G devices, which are crucial for advancing private 5G networks. Together, they plan to implement intelligent asset tracking solutions that provide real-time monitoring and management of assets, thereby enhancing visibility, efficiency, and security in industrial and enterprise environments—key components of Industry 4.0 supply chain management.
A significant barrier to private 5G adoption has been the limited availability of compatible devices. This partnership aims to fill this gap, as market researcher Omdia predicts that the global private 5G device market will grow by 35% over the next four years, potentially reaching nearly $10 billion by 2028.
Transforming Industrial Environments
This agreement positions Zebra Technologies as a central partner within NTT Data’s Device as a Service (DaaS) framework, simplifying access and upgrades for customers while enhancing 5G device lifecycle management. With a global reach, customers will benefit from continuous modernization and the integration of innovative connectivity solutions, including Wi-Fi, Private LTE, and Private 5G devices.
This announcement follows NTT Data’s recent collaboration with Qualcomm to expedite the development of the 5G device marketplace. As enterprises push forward with digital transformation initiatives, increased connectivity becomes essential to support Industry 4.0 applications and enable AI utilization at the edge.
“In our commitment to advancing Private 5G and Edge AI adoption, we’re excited to partner with Zebra Technologies globally,” said Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT Data. “This alliance highlights our dedication to equipping enterprises with transformative capabilities while enhancing data-driven experiences.”
By combining NTT Data’s expertise in private 5G with Zebra Technologies’ strengths in intelligent data integration, asset management, and frontline coordination, the partnership aims to deliver low-latency, high-security private 5G solutions to essential sectors including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
"Our collaboration with NTT Data reflects our commitment to delivering innovative solutions through Wi-Fi, Private LTE, and Private 5G,” stated Julie Johnson, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Mobile Computing at Zebra Technologies. “We are eager to leverage NTT Data's extensive capabilities to benefit our customers and contribute to the burgeoning 5G device ecosystem, essential for business success in today's fast-paced environment.”
Streamlining Network Deployment
As part of this partnership, NTT Data is implementing a private 5G network within Hyster-Yale Group’s manufacturing operations. This deployment will leverage NTT Data’s DaaS to provide visibility into assets and materials while enhancing communication across facilities. Zebra Technologies' handheld mobile devices will track asset movement, generating vital business intelligence and fostering seamless connectivity among engineers, on-site teams, production lines, and storage locations.
This initiative will be executed through a scalable, cost-effective deployment, efficiently managed through NTT Data’s DaaS model.
“Integrating Zebra devices into our Store Front has enabled us to access units efficiently through NTT Data's DaaS program, offering more SKU customization within a standardized device framework,” said Pierluigi Mastroddi, Director of IT Infrastructure Services at Hyster-Yale Group.
Comprehensive Device as a Service Model
NTT Data’s Device as a Service model delivers a comprehensive solution for end-to-end device lifecycle management. This includes planning, procurement, configuration, deployment, ongoing support, analytics, repair management, and device retirement—all under the guidance of a trusted partner. This model allows customers to adopt technology products on a flexible, pay-per-user subscription basis, enhancing cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
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