AT&T is looking to integrate Cisco’s Kinetic for Cities platform into a number of its own city-focused solutions, notably its Smart Cities Operations Center (SCOC) proposition, which collects data from multiple departments and services in a centralized dashboard.
Cisco’s Kinetic for Cities is a cloud-based platform that helps cities extract, compute, and move data from connected devices and sensors into secure IoT applications.
The platform unlocks data from across city operations, enabling it to be used by previously siloed devices, applications, and services. Its open architecture makes it easy to add solutions to address a wide range of city needs, noted AT&T
The move was one of a number of updates from the US carrier on its latest work in the smart city space. It confirmed as well the city of Portland, in the US, is set to run pilots with both its Smart Cities Digital Infrastructure and Smart Cities Structure Monitoring platforms.
The new project incorporates a number of familiars from AT&T’s parallel smart city projects, including Current, the energy management company run by GE. Much like their work with street lighting in San Diego, Current will supply GE’s CityIQTM platform to enable sensors to be attached to existing lighting infrastructure in the city, to monitor traffic flow and parking.
Like with San Diego, the sensors will run on Intel chips, enabling edge-based analytics. Portland will deploy about 200 sensors throughout its Central Eastside area. AT&T is also working with IBM in the city to deploy LTE-enabled sensors around the city to monitor wear and tear of key civic structures
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said: “This is significant in helping us build our city’s infrastructure and create new opportunities for local residents. With the integration of AT&T’s Smart City solutions, we will be better positioned to improve traffic and increase public safety.”
Meanwhile, AT&T said it has expanded its strategic alliance of smart city technology providers, which seeks to foster collaboration and business between traditional public and private sector organisations, and the start-up and developer communities. Cisco, IBM and Intel are already members. New joiners include smart city solutions providers Synchronoss and Ubicquia.
Mike Zeto, general manager of AT&T’s smart cities business unit, said: “When a city’s data is harnessed, analyzed and acted upon – securely in near real-time – it opens up a world of opportunities. With our strategic alliance members, we’re delivering solutions that will give city leaders meaningful insights into the communities they serve. This can mean improved quality of life for citizens.”
