Intel Corp. has acquired a scalable cloud computing platform for multi-access edge computing (MEC) to help accelerate the rollout of 5G networks.
Intel acquired the Smart Edge platform from Pivot Technology Solutions Inc. It allows enterprise and communication service providers to bring cloud-like services to the user on customer-premise or network edge. The company said that edge computing will be an estimated $65 billion silicon addressable market by 2023, with 5G accelerating this opportunity.
Smart Edge runs on Intel technologies including Xeon Scalable processors, Intel Optane memory, Intel field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and other accelerators.
About 25 employees from Pivot’s Smart Edge division will join Intel’s Network and Custom Logic Group when the transaction closes. As part of the acquisition, Pivot will be allowed to be a Smart Edge reseller.
The Smart Edge platform could find use in stores or factories that would combine 5G, data analytics and artificial intelligence near the edge to drive new opportunities and revenue streams, Intel said.
For enterprises and service providers, Smart Edge enables new opportunities and revenue streams while reducing the total cost of ownership for intelligent edge solutions. For example, retailers could deploy new personalized and location-aware in-store experiences or factories could combine 5G, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) near the edge to drive greater operational efficiencies.
