Networks need to transform to meet industry expectations presented by cloud computing
NICE, France – Cloud computing is transforming industries and now it’s incumbent on the telecom sector to transform networks to keep pace with expectations, Ericsson SVP and CTO Ulf Ewaldsson said during TM Forum Live.
“The telco industry … is now colliding with the IT industry,” Ewaldsson said during a briefing at the annual event. “As that collision is happening, architecture, discussions of how that will evolve, is one of the key items.”
Ewaldsson stressed the importance of open architecture to support software-defined networks and other technologies, which are closely tied to cloud computing.
“We have now passed the inflection point in the networked society. The devices, together with the development of cloud and the off-premise computing capabilities that are coming in industry after industry, changing the business models, providing a closed loop or a value closed loop opportunity … that’s what’s really the transformation factor and you will find it almost everywhere.”
The power of cloud computing, Ewaldsson said, can only be fully realized with networks capable of supporting the service’s demand.
Ewaldsson gave the example of wildly popular video content-streaming platform Netflix and noted that network performance will prove to be a limiting factor.
“There would be no Netflix if the networks could not transport films,” Ewaldsson said. “Industry after industry will be dependent on how that transformation, how that network capability in a reliable service that is safe and secure for users, can be rolled out. That’s the transformation for operators.”
During TM Forum, Ericsson representatives highlighted solutions meant to deliver ICT services “that are easy to buy, easy to use and easy to enjoy.” That includes OSS/BSS and customer experience analytics management solutions among others.
On the BSS/OSS side, Ericsson detailed four areas that give operators agility: mastery of service orchestration; driving innovation; a digital startup mentality; and a robust end-user experience.
“As consumers’ lives continue to move to the cloud, enriched by customization, personalization and anywhere access, operators need the tools to meet evolving demands,” Per Borgklint, SVP and president and head of business unit support solutions for Ericsson, said.
“Ericsson combines deep industry expertise based on a proven track record of consulting and systems integration engagements, delivering the broadest, most advanced OSS/BSS portfolio available,” Borgklint said. “We look forward to showing customers our latest capabilities to help them develop the agility needed to be fast, flexible and in control.”
