Nokia Siemens Networks and Intel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a set of common objectives around the development of the former’s Liquid Applications solution.
Liquid Apps are “smart” base stations where intelligence can be collected about the type of content and data subscribers are using by in each cell.
The product already uses Intel’s Crystal Forest Platform as part of the Radio Applications Cloud Server (RACS), which provides capabilities such as localized processing, content storage, and access to real-time radio and network information inside the base station.
In a statement, the two companies said they will collaborate in the creation of a mobile edge computing ecosystem, focusing OTT content providers, independent software vendors and application service providers.
Further, they explore new business models between mobile operators and other ecosystem players, “facilitating engagements with the purpose of delivering a superior and profitable customer experience”.
“Mobile operators have an extensive network of base stations in numerous locations. Placing applications and services in the base station will turn the base station into an intelligent part of a mobile operator’s network, to serve and deliver local content. Other content providers in the ecosystem can also benefit from the proximity of applications to mobile users”, said Dirk Lindemeier, head of Liquid Net at Nokia Siemens Networks.
Steve Price, general manager of Intel’s Communications Infrastructure Division, added: “Operators can now extend the applications and services cloud all the way out to the base station and thus offer an enhanced and unmatched mobile broadband experience.”
Liquid Apps was launched at Mobile World Congress this year promising to revolutionise the role of the base station in the mobile network.