Spotlight on Tech

AI at the Edge: Reshaping telecommunications

By
Vijayalaxmi Shinde
Marketing Director
Rakuten Symphony
July 25, 2024
4
minute read

Although AI is not a new concept for the telecommunications sector, the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) has propelled it to new heights, particularly in edge computing. This is crucial for telecom companies that need to process vast amounts of data in real time to meet business Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

At the recent Digital Transformation World (DTW) event, Sinan Atan, Business Development Manager, Lenovo and Vivek Chadha, SVP and Global Head Telco Cloud of Rakuten Symphony shared insights on the potential of AI at the Edge in the telecommunications industry. This discussion highlighted the significant advancements and challenges in implementing AI-driven edge computing solutions, which ultimately seek to transform the way telecom networks operate and serve their customers.

Sinan Atan, Business Development Manager, Lenovo and Vivek Chadha, SVP and Global Head Telco Cloud of Rakuten Symphony discussing "The Future of AI at the Edge."
Sinan Atan, Business Development Manager, Lenovo and Vivek Chadha, SVP and Global Head Telco Cloud of Rakuten Symphony discussing "The Future of AI at the Edge."
"AI at the Edge allows for rapid decision-making and data processing, essential for applications such as private networks and enterprise services."
- Sinan Atan, Business Development Manager, Lenovo 
"Augmented intelligence involves using AI to enhance and automate tasks traditionally performed manually, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs."
- Vivek Chadha, SVP and Global Head Telco Cloud of Rakuten Symphony

Watch the full interview here.

The importance of collaboration in furthering AI use cases

Sinan Atan and Vivek Chadha at the event
Sinan Atan and Vivek Chadha at the event

AI at the Edge allows for rapid decision-making and data processing, essential for applications such as private networks and enterprise services. The use of AI in these contexts helps to automate processes, reduce latency, improve overall efficiency and create new revenue streams. Zero-touch orchestration and automation platforms can significantly reduce the need for manual interventions and truck rolls. This shift towards more agile, cloud-native infrastructure enables telecom operators to provision, deploy, and upgrade their systems more efficiently. 

The integration of AI to augment traditional operational workflows will precede true autonomous network management, giving rise to "augmented intelligence". One of the notable applications discussed was the dynamic power management of compute infrastructure. By leveraging AI, telecom operators can achieve real-time power savings without compromising workload performance. This capability is particularly important given the rising energy costs and the need for sustainable operations.

The leaders highlighted the significance of their collaboration in advancing AI at the Edge. Lenovo and Rakuten Symphony have been working together to demonstrate the practical applications of their combined technologies. They showcased a scenario where AI-driven orchestration enabled real-time provisioning of mission-critical infrastructure for emergency services, demonstrating the potential for AI to enhance responsiveness and efficiency in critical situations.

The aspirational goal of the industry is now to achieve fully autonomous, self-healing networks that can manage and optimize themselves with minimal human intervention, creating operational efficiencies, enhanced customer experiences and new revenue opportunities.

The collaboration between Lenovo and Rakuten Symphony exemplifies how industry partnerships can drive innovation and pave the way for a smarter, more efficient future in telecommunications. Head over to our home page to know more.

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