Singtel launches first-of-its-kind platform for 5G, edge computing

Singtel launched Paragon, a revolutionary platform that enables enterprises to tap into Singtel’s 5G network to activate network slices on demand, deploy mission critical applications on Singtel MEC (multi-access edge compute) as well as access a robust eco-system of partner applications, offering them unparalleled control and choices. The platform also empowers enterprises to securely deploy applications in a hybrid fashion across the edge at Singtel MEC and a public cloud of their choice.

Developed in-house, Paragon is the industry’s first all-in-one orchestration platform for 5G edge computing and cloud services. It significantly reduces the complexity and time needed to adopt 5G MEC and low latency applications and services – lowering the barriers to entry for enterprises, enabling faster deployment of use cases while removing considerable operational and cost overheads.

“Many enterprises are undergoing rapid digitalisation while exploring and developing tailored 5G solutions for deployment in their industries. We understand the challenges and complexities that they face in managing the various networks, edge cloud applications and services with the required cyber security, resiliency and demanding service assurances required, cost-effectively. Paragon was conceived, developed and delivered to help enterprises meet these needs through a single platform.”

“We are pleased to already witness exciting and successful trials being conducted on Paragon and invite partners in 5G-related fields, from chipset manufacturers, Internet-of-Things devices, apps and software developers, content producers, systems integrators and solution providers, to join us, as we scale this platform regionally and globally with other telecommunication leaders to benefit customers in a 5G world.”

One stop digital acceleration platform for enterprises
Without an all-in-one solution like Paragon, enterprises have to juggle multiple tools to manage their network connectivity, cloud and application lifecycle at the edge. Paragon empowers enterprises to interact with the 5G network and deploy their edge computing applications and services on Singtel’s infrastructure independently, securely and within minutes. This shortens their innovation curve and improves time-to-market as well as reduces costs. Enterprises can also access a wide range of solutions from our partners to deliver their 5G use cases.

Compared to the current 4G and public cloud-enabled edge computing solutions, Paragon provides a huge improvement in latency with much higher bandwidth throughput from Singtel’s 5G network. This means better performance and faster decision-making at the edge where the data resides, critical for use cases like autonomous systems like robotics, drones and vehicles, immersive, video-rich experiences and powerful real-time edge AI use cases.

Other unique 5G features like network slicing – which usually requires weeks to acquire and set-up – can be done almost instantly, autonomously and as many times as needed. Enterprises can also optimise cost by utilising a network slice only when there is a need and for the intended duration.

Building a strong 5G MEC eco-system
Singtel’s 5G eco-system partners play a key role in delivering the overall solution built on the Paragon platform. Through the Paragon Marketplace, which operates like an app store, our partners can integrate their offerings through robust industry standard application programming interface (API) to rapidly build and deploy their solutions on Paragon. Some of these solutions already available include real-time fleet management, mixed reality and metaverse-based simulations, smart warehouse management, among others.

As Singtel scales Paragon across the region with a number of telecommunication leaders, partners in our 5G eco-system will have access to multiple markets based on their solutions they have built on the Paragon platform. Singtel remains committed to helping partners through the Singtel Partner Programme to develop solutions needed by customers across industries, validation of the solutions, from the commercial structure and go-to-market support on Singtel’s 5G platform and finally onboarding the applications into the Paragon Marketplace.

CT Bureau