Verizon, working with its 5G Future Forum (5GFF) peers and Amazon Web Services (AWS), released a whitepaper introducing a new approach for using a Bi-Directional API model to enable developers to go to market faster with more innovative and resilient applications. The whitepaper, “Bi-Directional APIs: Advancing MEC”, is a joint effort involving 5GFF members Telstra, Verizon, Vodafone, Rogers, America Movil, KT and Bell Canada, in collaboration with AWS. The paper explores a potential pathway for cooperation between Telecommunication Service Providers (TSPs) and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) in advancing Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC).
It aims to propel the industry forward through the use of Bi-Directional APIs to facilitate information sharing between cloud computing services and the network. These APIs operate behind the developer-facing APIs offered by Cloud and Telecommunications Service Providers, such as the GSMA Open Gateway and CAMARA Service APIs.
By seamlessly integrating network and cloud compute resources, the proposed Bi-Directional API model would not only enable consistency, but faster times to market globally – essential for building technology of the future. The whitepaper also advocates for the standardization of some APIs, a step forward that would foster innovation across the diverse landscape of thousands of telecom operators and numerous hyperscalers.
The release of the “Bi-Directional APIs: Advancing MEC” whitepaper marks a first step in the collective effort to enhance and expand the capabilities of Multi-Access Edge Computing.
The 5G Future Form aims to raise awareness, gather constructive feedback, and generate momentum towards the formation of a working group under standard development organizations (SDOs) to formalize the specifications for these APIs. Ultimately 5GFF wants to move the needle toward greater collaboration between operators and hyperscalers in the future. For more information about the white paper and its impact on the future of MEC, please visit 5GFF Website.
Wanda Parisien is a computing expert who navigates the vast landscape of hardware and software. With a focus on computer technology, software development, and industry trends, Wanda delivers informative content, tutorials, and analyses to keep readers updated on the latest in the world of computing.
