Cloud computing provider Alibaba Cloud has signed a strategic partnership agreement with NXP Semiconductors. The two companies will work together to enable development of secured smart devices for edge computing applications and have plans to further develop solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT).
As part of the partnership, AliOS Things, the Alibaba IoT operating system has been integrated onto NXP applications processors, microcontroller chips, and Layerscape multicore processors. Both NXP’s i.MX and Layerscape processors are currently the only embedded systems on the market using the Alibaba Cloud TEE OS platform. The new solution would benefit various markets including automotive, smart retail and smart home. It is currently being applied in applications such as automotive entertainment and infotainment systems, QR code payment scanning applications and smart home speakers.
“We share the same vision as NXP on providing advanced and secure IoT solutions for an ‘everything connected’ world,” said Ku Wei, General Manager of IoT of Alibaba Cloud. “Based on the integration of AliOS Things with NXP’s applications processors and microcontroller chips, our comprehensive solution will better serve the development of China’s local commercial and manufacturing industries.”
With the deep partnership between NXP and Alibaba Cloud Link in the field of IoT security, NXP has become a council member of the ICA IoT Connectivity Alliance. The two companies plan to jointly develop solutions to support application development in different fields including smart manufacturing and smart city.
China IoT Development
“As the leader of IoT innovation in China, Alibaba Cloud has launched a range of IoT basic and content services to support the demands of cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud integration and security,” said Li Zheng, NXP global senior vice president and President of Greater China. “Alibaba Cloud IoT kit has launched more than 200 categories, with a total of more than 10 million sets of sales. Our partnership with Alibaba Cloud will promote the continuous and steady expansion of NXP’s technological advantages for edge computing and IoT security, and will support the long-term and secure development of China’s IoT ecosystem.”
The ‘Annual Report of China IoT Development 2015-2016’ predicts that the amount of equipment connected to IoT globally will reach 20-50 billion by 2020, with 80 percent of that equipment in China. NXP’s product portfolio would cover offering from the edge node to gateway and comprehensive cloud IoT solutions. NXP’s products are widely used in smart homes, smart cities, smart transportation, and secure connectivity, among which in China.
Built on more than 60 years of combined experience and expertise, NXP Semiconductors has 31,000 employees in more than 33 countries and posted revenue of $9.5 billion in 2016.
