SKT partners with MS to enter big data market
Choi Yong-jin, third from right, head of Data Labs at SK Telecom, and Greg Goldkamp, right, in charge of business strategy at Microsoft, join hands with other officials after signing a business partnership agreement in Silicon Valley, Feb. 15 (local time). / Courtesy of SK Telecom
By Jun Ji-hye
SK Telecom has teamed up with Microsoft to release big data analytics systems based on cloud computing, in a bid to target the global big data market estimated to be worth 11 trillion won ($9.8 billion), the Korean telecom firm said Wednesday.
The nation's top mobile carrier signed a business partnership with the U.S. software giant in California's Silicon Valley on Feb. 15 (local time).
Under the deal, SK Telecom plans to launch its big data analyzer Metatron on Microsoft's cloud platform Azure.
The two firms will jointly develop services and carry out global marketing.
The Korean firm said it will use the latest partnership as an opportunity to enhance its presence in the global market.
Azure is the world's No. 2 cloud platform, used in 140 nations.
Microsoft was quoted as saying that Metatron will raise the competitiveness of the Azure platform.
Metratron, which provides quick and easy data analysis, is a system for data collection, storage and visualization.
The system helps establish big data infrastructure and sorts out faulty goods based on image analysis technologies.
About 10 enterprises in diverse industries, including SK hynix and Industrial Bank of Korea, use Metratron, according to SK Telecom.
The service does not require clients to establish physical servers. They can simply download the service from Azure, increasing convenience and reducing expense.
SK Telecom and Microsoft will release their first service, Metratron Asset Performance Management (APM), in July.
Metatron APM offers real-time data analysis to detect anomalies and predict trouble for manufacturers to help them boost production efficiency.
“Through collaboration with Microsoft, the marketability of SK Telecom's Metratron has been recognized in the global market,” said Choi Yong-jin, head of Data Labs at SK Telecom. “We will continue to make efforts to offer the best big data analytics services.”
SK Telecom has redoubled efforts to develop and secure new information and communications technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things and fifth-generation (5G) networks, in a bid to diversify business portfolio.
The firm is also joining forces with Hana Financial Group and Kiwoom Securities in a bid to form the nation's third internet-only bank.
SK Telecom said it will bring its AI, big data and quantum cryptography technologies to offer more advanced financial services.
During the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month, the firm also showcased new technologies for self-driving cars.