SoftBank has entered into an agreement with General Electric (GE) to license GE’s Predix software platform for industrial internet.
SoftBank is expected to use the Predix platform to develop and deliver custom apps for industries such as shipping and manufacturing.
The Japanese telecommunication major is also expected to use GE’s Predix App Factory for the development of the applications which are expected to be released in 2015.
The new apps are likely to improve service value by predicting failures before it happens and optimising distribution inventory, supply chains, and product development.
With the deal, SoftBank has become the first to license GE’s Predix platform for the creation of industrial applications, a sector which is expected to open up around $12bn in the data analytics market in Japan.
The companies estimate the partnership will facilitate more than $200m in revenue opportunity over the next five years in Japan.
GE Software vice president Bill Ruh said: "GE is taking the first step toward reaching new industries across the world by opening its Predix software platform to SoftBank."
"Together, GE and SoftBank see the enormous potential of the predictive analytics market in Asia and globally."
"This partnership will enable SoftBank to develop and deliver revenue-generating apps for big data analytics, asset management and field services."
GE previously announced alliances with enterprise technology makers including Intel and Cisco to develop Predix Ready devices with open communication frameworks, reported ZDNet.
