Sophia Antipolis, 12 December 2014

First meeting defines work programme, with first results expected next year

The first meeting of ETSI’s newly created Mobile-Edge Computing (MEC) Industry Specification Group (ISG) took place on 2-4 December 2014, hosted by Nokia Networks in Munich. The group has attracted 24 member and participant organizations, including network operators, vendors, technology suppliers and Content Delivery Network (CDN) providers.

First-meeting-MEC-ISG

Mobile-edge Computing provides IT and cloud-computing capabilities within the Radio Access Network (RAN) in close proximity to mobile subscribers. Located at the base station or at the Radio Network Controller, it also provides access to real-time radio and network information such as subscriber location or cell load that can be exploited by applications and services to offer context-related services. For application developers and content providers, the RAN edge offers a service environment characterized by proximity, ultra-low latency, high-bandwidth, as well as real-time access to radio network information and location awareness. Mobile-Edge Computing allows content, services and applications to be accelerated, maintaining a customer’s experience across different radio and network conditions. 

The future standardized, open environment will allow efficient and seamless integration of third-party applications across multi-vendor platforms, ensuring that the vast majority of customers of a mobile operator can be served. The ISG MEC will also enable and accelerate the development of edge applications across the industry, increasing the market scale and improving the market economics.

At this first meeting of the MEC ISG, a detailed workplan was agreed with five specifications expected to be completed by mid-2015. The ISG will start developing specifications for Terminology, Service Scenarios, Technical Requirements (including use cases and their benefits), a Proof of Concept Framework leading to a Framework and Reference Architecture. When the first documents get to the required maturity level, work on platform services, APIs and interfaces will commence.

I’m delighted to be able to work with so many industry players to build this community. As the convener of the first meetings I am committed to ensuring the success of Mobile-Edge Computing.” said Nurit Sprecher, convenor of the MEC ISG.

Participation in the Mobile-Edge Computing Industry Specification Group is open to all ETSI members as well as organizations who are not members, subject to signing ISG Agreements. A complete list of ISG MEC members is accessible via the MEC page of the ETSI website. For information on how to participate please contact ISGsupport@etsi.org

About ETSI
ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, converged, aeronautical, broadcast and internet technologies and is officially recognized by the European Union as a European Standards Organization. ETSI is an independent, not-for-profit association whose more than 700 member companies and organizations, drawn from 64 countries across five continents worldwide, determine its work programme and participate directly in its work.

Contact
Claire Boyer
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 94 43 35
Mob: +33 (0)6 87 60 84 40
Email: claire.boyer@etsi.org