Unlocking and monetizing data is a transformational opportunity across every industry. Intel has worked with the communications industry from the early days of network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN), software-defined infrastructure (SDI), management and orchestration to drive the network transformation required to manage the onslaught of data and prepare for the 5G future. Last year, Intel shared its strategy for enabling data centric infrastructure that moves data faster, stores more data, and processes everything. At CES and MWC, Intel provided more detail on new innovations that will accelerate the move towards data centric networks – from the cloud to the core and network edge elements.

Inside the Intel booth (#3E31) at Mobile World Congress (MWC) you will experience some of the exciting concepts that will come from investments in edge computing and 5G. For this article the focus is on new use cases that embody the spirit of Intel as a data centric company. We are helping companies capture, move and monetize data to create new experiences and services that deliver even more value to their customers.

Rakuten Mobile Network – Built on Cloud Native for 5G, Edge Differentiation

Rakuten Mobile Network, Inc. recently announced it will build the world’s first cloud native mobile network in their home country of Japan. The network will be virtualized from core to RAN, integrate multi-access edge computing (MEC) in each network node and fully automate both network and services from end to end. Rakuten will launch its new mobile network services in October 2019 using 4G LTE (Macro and Small Cells) and Wi-Fi, with the addition of 5G planned in early 2020. The company launched a test of the data network on Sunday February 3 in suburban Tokyo.

This network architecture extends the reach of Rakuten’s cloud services. Because they will deploy Intel® Xeon® platforms in their data centers and throughout their network, Rakuten will distribute nearly identical compute, network and storage capabilities as close as possible to the customer. This cloud-native deployment gives Rakuten a common platform that supports distribution of compute resources anywhere in the network and on-demand provisioning of capacity and new services. (Read Intel press release)

Data Acquisition, Analysis and Monetization

The National Hockey League (NHL) has been developing an innovative, new puck and player tracking system. This real-time, data-driven application will revolutionize fan engagement for the sport. While the acquisition of the data is an essential component, the ability to analyze, parse and deliver the data to multiple additional applications augments the NHL’s capacity to monetize the data.

Fans will be able to track player avatars on second-screen devices, and dive deeper into game data, real-time analytics, player information, background info, statistics and more. To fully capitalize on this capability, the NHL can extend this system to retailers, advertisers, stadium facilities, banks and content companies. There are several underlying technologies that will be necessary to enable multiple types of real-time applications—from data analytics to transactions to AR/VR—all on the same platform.

Intel’s MEC-based systems support different types of applications, including artificial intelligence, analytics and AR/VR. The combination of reliable, 5G connectivity and Intel architecture and software enable ease of use and maximize ROI.

Creating Something You Have Never Seen Before

What do the Rakuten Mobile Network and NHL programs have in common? These exciting ventures highlight the importance of a vast technology and partner ecosystem.

Intel is enabling an ecosystem with software and reference architectures to solve the world’s most complex business and computing challenges. You may recall, Intel and our partners have used MEC to cut live video latency at concerts and sports arenas and stadiums outside the United States. We recently announced new AI-powered 3D athlete tracking technology with Alibaba that will harness athlete data that coaches and trainers will use to analyze performance and enhance training methods. At the recent professional football championship game in Atlanta, Intel technology was both behind the scenes to capture and deliver 360 degree views and replays to fans while the Intel Drone lit up the sky during the half-time performance. I thought Anil Nanduri, vice president and general manager of Intel Drone Group, summed up our approach to new opportunities best in a recent video, “the motivating factor was doing something that was never experienced before.”

Intel is breaking new ground to deliver something that was never experienced before. Celebrate innovation with us at MWC, but be assured we are looking for the next amazing experience to deliver.