Deutsche Telekom and Santa Clara based computer software specialist Aricent have joined forces to create an Open Source, low latency Edge compute platform enabling operators to develop and launch 5G mobile applications and services faster.

According to the companies, the cost-effective Edge platform is built for software-defined data centers (SDDC) and is decentralized, to speed up the rollout of ultra-low latency applications.

The joint solution will include a software framework with key capabilities for developers, delivered as a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and will feature cloud-native Multi-access edge computing (MEC) technologies.

“The global edge computing market size is projected to exceed US$3 billion by 2025,” the firms added. “By adopting Open Source strategies and virtualized networking technology at the edge, operators can deliver new services faster and at much greater operational efficiency to monetize 5G from the onset.”

Deutsche Telekom and Aricent recently collaborated to trial the software framework by supporting developers at Deutsche Telekom’s incubator in Germany, hub:raum.

“We believe that edge computing will be a critical success factor to achieve the full benefits of 5G for our customers”, says Tomasz Gerszberg, SVP Edge Computing at Deutsche Telekom, “We believe in joining forces with our ecosystem partners to accelerate innovation and the adoption of new technology.”

Over the next three years, Deutsche Telekom and Aricent will be working on a number of projects to strengthen the strategic partnership. Deutsche Telekom will utilize Aricent’s consultancy, design, engineering and R&D service offerings for the group.

Dietmar Wendt, President Communications at Aricent said: “By combining both our companies’ expertise, capabilities and ecosystems, this partnership will accelerate digital transformation and the introduction of new network technologies across the group. Put simply, it adds value and will deliver the best quality of experience for subscribers.”