Sprint and Ericsson Partner on Dedicated IoT Network

Today, Sprint and Ericsson announce a very big move in connecting and scaling IoT.  Sprint announces a, "Fully dedicated, distributed and virtualized IoT core network works in tandem with the operating system to turn sensor data into immediate intelligence at the network edge; 5G-ready and primed for AI, robotics and more." This is a distributed and virtualized core IoT network and brings with it many benefits to the enterprise based on an overall Compass Intelligence view:

• 5G and Edge Ready IoT Core - enhances and expedites data analytics and computing at the edge (low latency), ability to manage massive amounts of data as close to the enterprise to manage outcomes
• Cloud-based Billing & Managed Services - ease of use and management "IoT OS provides full subscription lifecycle management and monitoring of billing and usage data." Businesses need tech partners to support in managing network operations, security, cloud architecture, and applications/software
• Faster Processing & Prioritization of Data - this brings faster response times to business problems or customer services, not only due to the dedicated network but the expected continued dedication of services and software that will wrap around this network to give IoT what it needs to meet enterprise expectations (Quality of Service, SLAs)
• Optimal for AI, virtual applications, robotics, and Autonomous Vehicles - As the enterprise adopts and seeks solutions around artificial intelligence and automated operations, a dedicated network is expected to provide optimal enterprise solutions by having "AI in the core." These more demanding technology architectures will require a more sophisticated and dedicated network or at the very least a commitment to not treating IoT data the same as general voice and data communitcations.
• Global SIM/chip (ARM) and chip security - To secure connected devices we look to the least common denominator and that means security on the chip (Sprint and Ericsson are pushing this), in addition over the air updates are required to adapt and further secure devices
• Powered by Ericsson's Application Enablement Platform (AEP), IoT Accelerator Platform - "Ericsson IoT Accelerator leverages the scale, speed and lower cost of a cloud based solution to address use-cases and applications for Enterprises and Service Providers." per Ericsson's website.

The enterprise and government IoT number of connections is growing at such a rapid pace but with varying requirements in terms of the amount of data (large streams vs. bits), processing (how often, low latency), analytics (at the edge, in the cloud), security needs, and management. That being said, Sprint and Ericsson take IoT connectivity and commitment to the next level for sensors, connected machines, connected devices, and assets/fleets/AV. We are excited to learn more about this as we attend MWC Americas next week and we will follow up with an additional blog to share further details.

Full release: http://newsroom.sprint.com/sprint-and-ericsson-reveal-ground-breaking-iot-dedicated-core-and-operating-system.htm