San Francisco, Oct 16 (IANS): In a bid to strengthen its position in 5G edge computing market, Intel is all set to acquire the Smart Edge platform from Canada's Pivot Technology Solutions Inc., an IT infrastructure and service provider.

Edge computing is an opportunity that is accelerating with the rollout of 5G networks.

Smart Edge is a Cloud-native, scalable and secure platform for multi-access edge computing (MEC).

With Smart Edge, enterprises and communications service providers can enable Cloud-like services closer to the user on the customer-premise or network edge.

"This transaction enhances our ability to address the 5G network transformation with a leading position in edge computing," Dan Rodriguez, Intel Vice President in the Data Center Group and General Manager of the Network Compute Division, said in a statement.

"We plan to take full advantage of our combined technologies and teams to accelerate the development of the edge computing market while creating a compelling solution for customers," Rodriguez said.

For enterprises and service providers, Smart Edge enables new opportunities and revenue streams while reducing the total cost of ownership for intelligent edge solutions.

For example, retailers could deploy new personalised and location-aware in-store experiences or factories could combine 5G, data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) near the edge to drive greater operational efficiencies.

Approximately 25 Smart Edge employees will join Intel's Network and Custom Logic Group (NCLG) when the transaction closes, which is expected in the coming weeks, Intel said.

Also, as a part of this acquisition, Intel and Pivot will sign a Preferred Partner Agreement, which identifies Pivot as an authorised Smart Edge reseller and Intel's non-exclusive Preferred Systems Integrator for Smart Edge-based edge services solutions.

"Our partnership with Intel will leverage Pivot's core strengths as a technology integrator and service provider with Intel's advanced technology solutions to drive the adoption of the Smart Edge platform," said Kevin Shank, CEO of Pivot.