Microsoft and I²R to work on Smart Nation reference architecture

• To develop technical architecture based on Singapore’s Smart Nation OS requirements
• Will also ensure that data collected and shared is anonymised and managed securely

MICROSOFT Corp and A*Star’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint Reference Architecture for Singapore’s Smart Nation platform.
 
The collaboration will focus on establishing the business architecture for member agencies and the development of the technical architecture based on Singapore’s Smart Nation Operating System requirements, the two parties said in a statement.
 
READ ALSO: Malaysia sets up industry-led IoT data centre and research lab
 
The Smart Nation is Singapore’s vision to fully harness the potential of technology to improve the lives of citizens, create greater opportunities for business, and build a more anticipatory government.
 
The Smart Nation Platform provides an operating system so that all public agencies can connect, collect, and comprehend the essential data that are captured and collected via sensors placed around Singapore.
 
It will also ensure that data collected and shared to be anonymised and managed securely, said Microsoft and A*Star, the Singaporean Government’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research.
 
“We are proud that Microsoft has recognised I²R’s homegrown ICT capabilities and has chosen to partner us to jointly develop the Joint Reference Architecture for Singapore’s Smart Nation Platform,” said I²R executive director Dr Lee Shiang Long.
 
“This partnership is also a testament that our depth of capabilities and pool of talented researchers in Singapore are able to contribute to MNCs (multinational corporations), particularly in supporting the development of new innovative ideas and solutions impacting both locally and overseas.
 
“With Microsoft’s global reach and expertise, this is a distinct opportunity for A*Star’s technology to be exported onto the world stage and to create greater impact,” he added.
 
The new collaboration framework between Microsoft Singapore and I²R will foster closer collaboration between I²R member agencies to promote Singapore as a test-bed for the Smart Nation Platform and its related pilot trials.
 
It will also enable the parties to jointly achieve the following key objectives in the move towards Singapore’s Smart Nation vision:

• Develop innovative technologies in data analytics, smarter networks and cybersecurity;

• Innovate next-generation video-based solutions through scalable multimedia platforms and advanced video analytics;

• Collaborate to build a greener and safer Smart Nation through intelligent transport systems, urban mobility and renewable energy systems;

• Gather Internet of Things (IoT) data and provide input to regulators implementing licence-exempt regulatory frameworks;

• Educate stakeholders on Smart Nation related technologies and their benefits; and

• Be a credible promoter of the Smart Nation Platform, to enhance their potential and to assist regulators in adopting Smart Nation Platform in their countries.

As part of the collaboration, Microsoft will seek to accelerate innovation with I²R through Microsoft CityNext, a global initiative that helps cities across the world address increased urbanisation through innovations in mobile, cloud, big data and social technologies.
 
In line with the Singapore Government’s vision of a Smart Nation where people lead meaningful and fulfilling lives enabled by technology, Microsoft said its CityNext leverages technology with the aim of enabling city leaders to do ‘New with Less’ by moving beyond infrastructure and taking a people-centric approach to empower, educate and engage citizens to power the economy for sustainable, long-term growth.
 
“Looking beyond the technological executions for the Smart Nation, the goal is fundamentally about empowering our people and to build a safe and liveable Singapore for them through technology,” said Microsoft Singapore managing director Jessica Tan.
 
“With our wide experience in building smart cities, we are well-placed to leverage our deep research and development capabilities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration with I²R.
 
“We look forward to playing a key role in Singapore’s journey to be the first Smart Nation in the world, and to enabling better communication, collaboration and coordination between agencies, public and private sectors as well as with our biggest resource – our people, through this partnership,” she added.
 
Related Stories:
 
For Smart Nation vision, a call for all to help
 
CityNet and Microsoft CityNext collaborate to ‘build better cities’
 
Security the ‘elephant’ in the IoT/ smart city room: Frost
 
Chatting up a Smart Nation: How will we connect?
 
Connecting smart cities the smart way
 
 
For more technology news and the latest updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Like us on Facebook.