Verizon has inked a partnership with Microsoft to help accelerate the deployment of 5G edge applications.
The carrier will integrate Azure edge services into its onsite 5G Edge network to enable ultra-low latency. Verizon and Microsoft’s collaboration aims to open up new possibilities in areas like augmented/virtual reality, computer vision, and digital twins.
“We have built a network that provides real-world, 5G-enabled solutions today,” said Rima Qureshi, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Verizon.
“By bringing together Verizon’s 5G network and on-site 5G Edge platform with Microsoft’s expertise in cloud services, we will enable the development of the next-generation technologies everyone has been envisioning.”
Among the aforementioned visions includes real-time precision healthcare which incorporates mixed reality, AI, and the rapid sharing of large files to help improve outcomes for patients.
“By leveraging Verizon’s 5G network integrated with Microsoft’s cloud and edge capabilities, developers and businesses can benefit from fast, secure and reliable connections to deliver seamless digital experiences from massive industrial IoT workloads to precision medicine,” explained Yousef Khalidi, Corporate Vice President of Azure for Operators at Microsoft.
Logistics firm Ice Mobility is already testing Verizon’s Azure-enhanced 5G Edge platform.
Using 5G mobile edge computing with computer vision, Ice Mobility is gathering almost real-time data on packing errors to improve quality assurance and save 15-30 percent in processing time.
Mike Mohr, CEO of Ice Mobility, commented:
“[Verizon and Microsoft] have listened to our needs to provide automated real-time quality oversight and feedback, which will enable us to cost-effectively launch unique new products while maintaining the highest execution standards, significantly increasing throughput, and reducing costs.
And, this is just the beginning.”
Verizon says it plans to deepen its collaboration with Microsoft to deliver innovations across key industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.
