Nokia and Kyndryl Extend Network and Edge Computing Alliance

Nokia and Kyndryl announced a three-year extension and expansion of their global network and edge partnership. The focus of their improved cooperation is developing and delivering industry-leading LTE and 5G private wireless services and Industry 4.0 solutions to customers worldwide.

The two companies established their global network and edge computing alliance in February 2022. The partnership has since grown exponentially, with more than 100 active engagements with global enterprises, from advisory or testing to piloting, to full implementation, across 24 countries. 90% of the current engagements are enterprises in the industrial manufacturing sector, including multinational petrochemical, mining and timber, and utilities/energy companies.

The expanded effort will be enhanced with Kyndryl’s achievement of Nokia DAC Advanced accreditation status, which helps ensure that enterprise customers benefit from an expanded lineup of expert resources and skilled practitioners who have extensive training and a deep understanding of Nokia products and solutions. In addition, customers will gain access to Kyndryl’s accelerated network deployment capabilities and support of Nokia cellular radio expertise in selected markets.

To meet the growing convergence and demands of IT and OT for enterprises, Kyndryl, Nokia, and Palo Alto Networks will launch a joint lab in Raleigh, North Carolina to bring reliable, secure, and auditable wireless connectivity to industrial networks. Through the collaboration, a multi-factor zero trust model for industrial networking is enabled at both the IT and OT sides of the network using the best tools and resources from each of the companies.

Kyndryl’s network experts are developing an integrated system starting from the foundations of a typical Modbus process control network and extending access and security beyond the typical shop floor. Using Nokia DAC, private cellular connectivity enables high mobility and extended reach of the network.

To date, Kyndryl and Nokia have successfully implemented a private wireless network with edge computing for Dow Chemical, at their petrochemical processing plant in Freeport, TX. The modernization of the Dow Chemical plant with advanced connectivity has increased worker safety and enabled remote audio and video collaboration, and real-time smart procedures.