OREANDA-NEWS. November 01, 2012. NTT DATA Corporation (President and CEO: Toshio Iwamoto; Head office: Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan) and Telecommunications Software & Systems Group - TSSG (Director: Willie Donnelly; Head office: Waterford, Ireland), have launched a collaborative research project on data analysis utilizing Big Data and Business Analytics in the smart grids field, starting in November, 2012.

NTT DATA and TSSG will jointly focus on conducting socially motivated research, initially in the smart grids domain, which will have an impact for system stabilization, operational management optimization, and service improvement. The team will announce results of this collaborative research in April 2013.

The world is facing severe challenges in managing the delicate balance between electric power generation and consumption. These challenges are compounded by the need for more effective mechanisms to manage the earth’s scare resources, with increasing attention given to energy production from renewable sources. Technological advances in renewable energy generation, electric vehicles and smart grid technologies for energy distribution and management, are paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more efficient energy supply chain.

A critical element of smart grid technology is its ability to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to gather and act on information, about the behaviors of suppliers and consumers. To enable this, advances in two key areas are critical: Machine-to-Machine (M2M) technologies to gather the data and Big Data technologies to store and analyze the (diverse) data to enable autonomous decisions to be made, based on the real-time performance of the entire supply chain. NTT DATA and TSSG are embarking on a collaborative research project specifically to investigate system optimization and service improvement based on analysis of the massive multi-dimensional data generated throughout the energy supply system. In this collaborative effort, NTT DATA will lead the research in building reactive algorithms that autonomously adjust based on variable conditions, while TSSG will apply its domain knowledge in smart grid research and lead the M2M research component. Through this research, they expect to push the state of the art in the areas of algorithmic development using Big Data technologies and M2M communications in the smart grids domain.

The main objective of this research is to develop the data analysis technology which detects changes in status, and dynamically adjusts the corresponding data analysis model. In smart grids, it is necessary to react quickly to fluctuating variables and accurately control the balance between energy supply and demand. These data analysis models can then be used for short to medium term energy prediction to enable all elements of the energy chain forecast supply and demand with confidence.

NTT DATA has commenced researching Big Data / Business Analytics topics in 2006 and is now recognized as a global business leader in those technical fields. They have focused on building strategic research partnerships with world class research centers in the area of M2M communications specifically in the smart grids domain. This direct investment by NTT DATA is seen as an endorsement of TSSG’s reputation as world leaders in network communications and data management research and development and will further promote Ireland’s highly skilled researchers on the world stage. This work will provide the foundation for a long term strategic partnership in Big Data / Business Analytics between NTT DATA and TSSG.
Dr. Kitani, Vice President, Head of Research and Development Headquarters of NTT DATA, said:

“NTT DATA has been expanding partnerships with research institutes worldwide to explore advanced technologies and create new services. This collaboration in the area of Big Data and Business Analytics with TSSG will have numerous achievements from many industry led research projects providing solutions to real-world issues. In particular this partnership will be the first step for NTT DATA to extend our R&D capabilities into Ireland, one of the best countries to develop innovative solution.”
Dr Donnelly, Director of the TSSG, said:

“The establishment of a partnership with NTT DATA is an important step in the strategic development of the TSSG. The emergence of machine to machine (M2M) communications means that over 20bn connected devices are expected by 2020, transforming all aspects of society. The collaboration with NTT DATA is an important step in the creation of a world-class center in M2M communications and data management at the TSSG. This partnership with NTT DATA Japan is an important example of global research collaboration, which will bring economic benefit to Ireland.”
Seбn Sherlock TD, the Minister for Research and Innovation in Ireland, who is currently on a Trade Mission to Japan, welcomed the announcement. The Minister said:

“The decision by NTT DATA to start their first collaborative R&D project with Ireland through TSSG in Waterford is very significant. My presence here in Japan highlights the importance the Irish Government prescribes to economic relations with Japan. There are opportunities for further collaborations between our countries, particularly in the R&D area.”
Welcoming the announcement Shane Nolan, Head of Growth Markets at IDA Ireland said:

“The IDA is focused on attracting high-value technology activities from the Asian market. With this in mind, we are very happy to see NTT DATA and TSSG come together to share and develop their knowledge of Business Analytics. The IDA will continue to support both organizations as they develop their relationship in the coming years.”