NTT Data, a leading IT infrastructure and services firm, has partnered with Zebra Technologies to accelerate innovation in the private 5G device ecosystem. The goal of the collaboration is to power AI at the edge, enabling intelligent asset tracking and real-time monitoring in industrial and enterprise deployments.
Private 5G adoption has faced a critical barrier: the availability of 5G devices for enterprises. However, this partnership between NTT Data and Zebra Technologies aims to bridge that gap. Market researcher Omdia estimates that the enterprise private 5G market will grow by 35% globally over the next four years, reaching nearly $10 billion by 2028.
The agreement establishes Zebra Technologies as a strategic partner within NTT Data’s Device as a Service practice, making it easier for customers to access, upgrade, and simplify 5G device lifecycle management and support. Customers will benefit from continual modernization of device deployments and the ability to harness new connectivity solutions with a suite of Wi-Fi, Private LTE, and Private 5G compatible devices.
NTT Data’s recent collaboration with Qualcomm further emphasizes their commitment to accelerating the evolution of the 5G device ecosystem. With enterprises increasingly undergoing digital transformation, greater connectivity is needed to support Industry 4.0 applications and the adoption of AI at the edge.
By leveraging NTT Data’s private 5G leadership and Zebra Technologies’ expertise in intelligent data integration, asset management, and frontline coordination, the partnership aims to make the low latency and high-security features of private 5G enabled devices easily accessible to frontline workers in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Julie Johnson, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Mobile Computing at Zebra Technologies, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it underscores their commitment to bring customers the latest innovations powered by Wi-Fi, Private LTE, and Private 5G networks. The collaboration with NTT Data allows them to benefit from NTT Data’s global scale and be a vital part of the growing 5G device ecosystem, ensuring businesses can thrive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Elevating Network Deployment
As part of the partnership, Zebra Technologies joins NTT Data’s Device as a Service (DaaS) practice for asset tracking and more. NTT Data is deploying a private 5G network throughout Hyster-Yale Group’s manufacturing operations. This network will work with Zebra Technologies’ handheld mobile computers and tablets to track assets and materials, improving communications and providing critical business intelligence.
Pierluigi Mastroddi, Director of IT Infrastructure Services at Hyster-Yale Group, praised the addition of Zebra devices to their store front, as it allows them to procure units through NTT Data’s device as a service program. This offers more SKU customization within a standard device set.
Benefits of Device as a Service Model
NTT Data’s device as a service model provides customers with a comprehensive turnkey solution for managing the entire device lifecycle. It includes planning, procurement, configuration, deployment, ongoing support, analytics, repair management, and device retirement. By utilizing this model, customers can consume technology products on a pay-per-user subscription basis instead of purchasing and owning the equipment, providing a cost-effective solution.
In conclusion, the partnership between NTT Data and Zebra Technologies aims to drive the adoption of private 5G devices and accelerate innovation in the 5G device ecosystem. By making these devices easily accessible to enterprises, they are laying the foundation for widespread adoption across industries. With the increasing demand for connectivity to support digital transformation and AI at the edge, this collaboration will empower frontline workers and enhance visibility, efficiency, and security capabilities critical to industry supply chain management.
