Their joint efforts will provide customers with AI-based analytics to extract intelligence from digital images and video
BT and Atos have launched Digital Vision as part of a multi-million pound partnership to provide a computer vision solution “that will help revolutionise industries, including manufacturing and logistics among others”.
Computer vision is an AI technology that can interpret information from digital images, videos and other visual feeds, such as live video streams from a fixed camera or a drone, and then take automated action or recommend action(s) based on the information.
It will combine BT’s connectivity with Atos’s Computer Vision Platform, a scalable end-to-end solution that offers trained and customisable AI models developed by more than 300 computer vision experts in labs around the world.
Interpreting images
AI-enabled analysis of video and images is used in many industries for applications such as transport safety and traffic monitoring, quality control in manufacturing, and location tracking. The joint solution is designed to improve security and monitoring for customers by enabling real-time use of video and image data.
Digital Vision will use BT’s 5G and FTTx connectivity and edge computing to give business customers a scalable, ready-to-deploy service with round-the-clock support and expertise.
BT recently announced it was investing almost £100 million over the next three years in its Division X unit to accelerate the development of solutions that integrate technologies like 5G, IoT, Edge Compute, Cloud and AI.
Division X was announced in January within BT’s Enterprise division, which has struggled in recent years. Its MD, Marc Overton, said, “This partnership with Atos gives us access to the computer vision market for the first time, providing us the opportunity to play an even bigger role in the digital transformation of businesses around the world.”
He added, “Not only will businesses be able to better leverage their video stream data, improve their operational efficiency and enhance their monitoring, but they will also be able to mitigate risk, increase revenue through data monetisation, unlock new applications and open new channels to market.”
Unlocking capabilities
Jean-Claude Geha, Global Head of Telecom, Media & Technology at Atos commented, “We are excited to work, once again, with BT to unlock new capabilities for the Enterprise market where BT is seeking to offer much needed vertical digital use cases to increase efficiency, boost productivity, and to improve business opportunities and customer experience.”
BT and Atos have a long-standing relationship. They signed a major outsourcing agreement in 2013 which in March they extended to 2026. BT provides Atos with network and communication services to connect its own operations as well as network infrastructure and service to support its customers.
Earlier this year, the companies expanded their relationship to co-develop sustainable solutions using BT’s secure connectivity and infrastructure, including private 5G and edge computing, with Atos’ expertise in sectors such as manufacturing.