Several indications signify that the enterprise division of Optus is preparing to launch a 5G edge computing offensive. In this case, the telco will be bringing a platform developed in-house at parent Singtel to Australia. 

In February this year, Singtel launched Paragon. According to Singtel, Paragon allowed enterprises to access their network to activate network slices on demand. Not only this but Paragon also allowed the deployment of mission-critical applications on the multi-access edge computes of Singtel. It also paved the way for access to a “robust ecosystem of partner applications.” 

Furthermore, Paragon is designed to allow enterprises to deploy applications at the edge using Singtel MEC together with a public cloud of their choice.

After this launch, Optus then moved to trademark Optus Paragonedge in Australia. The trademark for categories such as “providing access to edge, edge-cloud, and cloud-based computing resources and storage” are said to be due for acceptance early next month.

During the launch, Singtel described the “revolutionary” Paragon platform as capable of significantly reducing “the complexity and time needed to adopt 5G MEC and low latency applications and services – lowering the barriers to entry for enterprises, enabling faster deployment of use cases while removing considerable operational and cost overheads.”

According to Singtel group enterprise CEO Bill Chang, “Many enterprises are undergoing rapid digitalisation while exploring and developing tailored 5G solutions for deployment in their industries.”

“We understand the challenges and complexities that they face in managing the various networks, edge cloud applications, and services with the required cybersecurity, resiliency, and demanding service assurances required, cost-effectively. Paragon was conceived, developed, and delivered to help enterprises meet these needs through a single platform.”

Nevertheless, an Optus spokesperson said that the telco wasn’t able to comment on any intentions to roll out Paragon in the Australian market.

Paragon would most likely be one of the first major initiatives to come out of Optus Enterprise since the restructure that happened at Singtel. In this restructure, Optus was able to take direct control of the operation. This operation has been previously overseen by Singapore.

Announcing the change last month, Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon said that “Optus has been part of the Singtel stable for two decades and a leading player in the Australian consumer market. Given the hyper-digitalisation that enterprises are currently experiencing, this is also timely as Optus can focus on advancing its growth as a B2B player.”