NetApp partners with the Center for Connected Industry in Aachen to deliver enterprise data management over 5G

In partnership with Ericsson, a Swedish networking company, NetApp is deploying our first preintegrated proof of concept (POC) for the Center for Connected Industry (CCI) at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. Using industry-leading 5G technology, the POC solution provides consistent data management from edge to core to cloud.

With the validated design in this solution, the CCI avoids the complexity of trying to integrate different solutions from multiple vendors. The solution’s modular approach uses software-defined data management tools in several scenarios with different endpoints. Our first use case will be the CCI’s “Assembly Line” project, which will use the solution to analyze unstructured datasets in real time from various sensors and cameras. Because these datasets can be trained at the near or far edge, they can deliver insights where they’re needed most.

To manage unstructured data, the data must be processed as close as possible to where it’s generated by an Internet of Things (IoT) device or where it will be used by an application or service. Previously, the CCI would send datasets to the cloud for processing, which takes time and delays insights. With their new integrated solution from NetApp and Ericsson, the CCI can process data at the edge, closer to where it’s produced. This approach enables rapid analysis of relevant data by eliminating data transfer time. Business logic can be applied immediately, and decisions can be made much faster, leading to greater overall efficiency.

With this new software-defined, hardware-agnostic solution, the CCI can derive the most value from its data by quickly and easily moving it where it needs to be—whether that’s in a private cloud, on premises, or in a hyperscaler. 

If you want to get the most out of your data, you need to eliminate legacy thinking. Using AI at the edge can accelerate business outcomes while enabling you to push data from edge to core to cloud. NetApp® solutions help keep your data in the right place at the right time at a cost that works for your business. You also get the control and governance you need to keep your data moving in a consistent and traceable manner. NetApp provides validated training and workflow integrations with key partners, so you don’t have to worry about finding a solution that fits your unique ecosystem.

Many technology providers struggle with partitioning hardware and sharing resources between applications. NetApp technology allows you to run legacy, virtualized applications alongside cloud-ready, containerized applications. With NetApp systems, you can consolidate resources on the edge and share with others securely. Our extensive network of partners, including the world’s leading hyperscalers, gives you the flexibility and modular capabilities you need to deliver integrated solutions to your customers.

Learn more about how you can build a convenient, flexible system for your industrial AI and IoT workloads.