Is Horizontal Cloud the future for Telecom Operators, or is it a Springboard?

I have been working on Horizontal Cloud for the past 5 years with Tier 1 Operators and I am seeing the trend accelerate going into 2023, with the new year looming around the corner and as our clients and partners think about their goal for the new year, I thought I’d write a blog about this interesting topic and how it paves the way for future architectures:

?Part 1: The Cost and Operational Challenges of Running Multiple Vertically Integrated Stacks

Part 2: The Transition from Traditional Virtualisation to Cloud Native

Part 3: The Move to Public Cloud

Part 4: The Importance of the SI in Integrating the Horizontal Cloud

Part 5: Redesigning Network and Security Strategies for a Multi-Cloud Architecture

The Cost and Operational Challenges of Running Multiple Vertically Integrated Stacks

In the telecommunications industry, it is common for companies to have multiple, vertically integrated stacks in place to support different services and workloads. This can include separate stacks for voice, data, and video, as well as stacks for specific services like mobile banking or streaming video. While these stacks can be effective in supporting specific workloads, they can also be costly and challenging to maintain.

One major challenge of running multiple vertically integrated stacks is the cost of acquiring, installing, and maintaining the hardware and software needed for each stack. This can be a significant expense, especially for larger telecommunications companies with a wide range of services and a large customer base.

In addition to the upfront costs, there are also ongoing operational costs associated with running multiple stacks. This includes the cost of maintaining and updating the hardware and software, as well as the cost of training staff to manage the stacks. These costs can add up over time, making it difficult for telecommunications companies to remain competitive in an increasingly saturated market.

The Transition from Traditional Virtualisation to Cloud Native

?One way that telecommunications companies are addressing the cost and operational challenges of running multiple vertically integrated stacks is by transitioning to a horizontal cloud platform that uses both traditional virtualisation as well as containers to support a wide range of VNF & CNF type workloads.

Containers are a form of lightweight virtualisation that allows multiple applications to run on a single operating system, sharing the underlying resources of the host system. This enables companies to run multiple applications on a single server, reducing the need for multiple, vertically integrated stacks.

The transition from traditional virtualisation to containers can be challenging, as it requires companies to rethink their infrastructure and operations while maintaining critical legacy systems. However, the benefits of using containers can be significant, including lower costs, increased efficiency, and improved agility.

The Move to Public Cloud

In addition to transitioning to a horizontal cloud platform using containers, many telecommunications companies are also moving some or all of their workloads to the public cloud. Many see a tremendous operational benefits in doing so.

The public cloud offers a number of benefits for telecommunications companies, including reduced capital expenditure, increased scalability, and improved resiliency. By moving to the public cloud, telecommunications companies can take advantage of the infrastructure and services provided by cloud providers, reducing the need to maintain their own hardware and software.

However, moving to the public cloud can also be challenging, as it requires companies to rethink their security, compliance, and integration strategies. It is important for telecommunications companies to carefully consider their specific needs and goals when deciding whether to move to the public cloud and, if so, how to do it effectively.

?The Importance of the System Integrator in Integrating the Horizontal Cloud

?As telecommunications companies transition to a horizontal cloud platform and move some or all of their workloads to the public cloud, they may require the assistance of a systems integrator (SI) to help integrate their existing systems with the new platform.

The SI plays a crucial role in helping companies navigate the complexities of transitioning to a horizontal cloud platform and integrating it with their existing systems. This can include helping companies design and implement the necessary infrastructure, integrate their applications and data, and ensure that the platform is properly configured and secured.

It is important for telecommunications companies to carefully select an SI that has experience working with telecommunications companies and is familiar with the unique requirements and challenges of this industry in particular when it comes to testing and validating these complex network functions in a central lab.

?Redesigning Network and Security Strategies for a Multi-Cloud Architecture

?As telecommunications companies transition to a horizontal cloud platform and move some or all of their workloads to the public cloud, they must also redesign their network and security strategies to accommodate a multi-cloud environment, today this comes even more as a challenge in countries such as the UK who have implemented new regulation for Telecom Security such as the Telecom Security Act(TSA).

One key aspect of this is ensuring that the network is properly configured to support multiple cloud environments, including on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud. This may involve redesigning the network architecture and implementing new technologies, such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualisation (NFV) in different technology domain such as access security or application availability.

?In addition to the network, telecommunications companies must also consider the security implications of a multi-cloud environment. This includes ensuring that data is properly encrypted and secured, as well as implementing controls to prevent unauthorised access or breaches. It may also involve implementing new security technologies and protocols, such as identity and access management (IAM) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

?Overall, redesigning network and security strategies for a multi-cloud environment is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration something I will cover in a blog in the new year. Telecommunications companies must carefully assess their specific needs and goals, and work with experienced partners and advisors to implement the right solutions.

?As a leading global systems integrator, World Wide Technology (WWT) can support telecommunications companies on their journey to a horizontal cloud platform and multi-cloud environment.

?WWT has extensive experience in helping companies in the telecommunications industry design, implement, and manage complex IT systems, including cloud platforms and multi-cloud environments. WWT's team of experienced professionals can help companies assess their specific needs and goals, as well as provide guidance on the best solutions and strategies to meet those needs.

?In addition to providing consulting and implementation services, WWT also offers a range of support services, including training, managed services, and technical support. This enables telecommunications companies to get the most out of their horizontal cloud platform and multi-cloud environment, while ensuring that their systems are running smoothly and efficiently.

?Should you want to know more about some of the horizontal cloud solutions we deliver for our customers, please visit our Advanced Technology Centre to take a look at our on-demand labs

?https://www.wwt.com/lab/converged-edge-platform-lab