Telecom Network Orchestration is Ripe for Disruption, But Legacy Still Dominates
October 31, 2018 | ABI ResearchEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Orchestration architectures that provide end to end visibility remain an important cornerstone for mobile service providers (MSPs) as they shift to a hybrid and digital future mode of operations, according to a report from ABI Research, a market-foresight advisory firm providing strategic guidance on the most compelling transformative technologies. A nimble way of transacting business is eventually going to set the clock speed for MSPs. Therefore, an orchestration hierarchy that breaks down isolated system architectures is a “must-have” to bring the speed and convenience that will drive competitive success.
“The industry is gradually evolving into a competitive landscape that warrants support of a multitude of consumer and industrial applications. To that end, vendors should not optimize individual orchestration solutions while ignoring the interconnected and ever-increasing web of application and devices,” said Don Alusha, Senior Analyst at ABI Research. “Vendors should aim to enhance total system properties and design their solution(s) with a ‘go for the good of the whole’ mindset. This will require a strategy shift from domain-specific orchestration products to wholesale approaches”.
The evolvement of telecom networks has led to heterogeneous environments where proprietary systems must coexist with new (open source) cloud technologies. Naturally, there is increased network complexity dispersed among network elements and telco systems. Open source is certainly encroaching into telecoms, but in the short and medium term, MSPs should be ready to face a scenario where vendors’ proprietary technology is still key to their operations. Some vendors, such as NEC/Netcracker and Amdocs offer numerous management and orchestration products, each of which complements their BSS/OSS portfolio. Others, such as Cisco and Ciena have acquired strong automation and orchestration capabilities that, when coupled with their strong networking expertise, provide a moat that extends higher up in the service domain.
Going forward, there are two possible options to shape orchestration architectures. One, institute a universal and unified architecture that supplants the current single-layer model with logic that considers orchestration holistically rather than piecemeal. Two, and the most likely scenario, implement automation at each layer of the telco ecosystem and fully integrate from top to bottom, exposing both legacy and digital assets as Application Program Interfaces (APIs).
“APIs are viewed as the linchpin of a modern approach to a multi-layered orchestration that tracks data from digital services and monitors interaction and dependencies between applications, resources, and connectivity channels. MSP should unlock the value of existing rigid assets by casting isolated architectures - typically associated with backdoors - in favor of agile application(s) that can be “plugged” into the network,” Alusha concluded.
About ABI Research
ABI Research provides strategic guidance for visionaries needing market foresight on the most compelling transformative technologies, which reshape workforces, identify holes in a market, create new business models and drive new revenue streams. ABI’s own research visionaries take stances early on those technologies, publishing groundbreaking studies often years ahead of other technology advisory firms. ABI analysts deliver their conclusions and recommendations in easily and quickly absorbed formats to ensure proper context. Our analysts strategically guide visionaries to take action now and inspire their business to realize a bigger picture.
Suggested Items
IDTechEx Report Unveils 3D Electronics Status and Opportunities
04/22/2024 | PRNewswire3D electronics is an emerging manufacturing approach that enables electronics to be integrated within or onto the surface of objects. 3D electronic manufacturing techniques empower new features, including mass customizability, greater integration, and improved sustainability in the electronics industry.
IDTechEx Examines the Opportunities for Wearables in Digital Health
04/19/2024 | IDTechExIDTechEx’s report, “Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence 2024-2034: Trends, Opportunities, and Outlook”, covers this ongoing trend in the consumer health wearables market and includes analysis of the opportunities and roadmap for biometric monitoring.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Pluritec's Expansion and Growth in the North American Market
04/19/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPONicola Doria, president of Pluritec, discusses the company's strategic focus on the North American market, their investment in a new sales organization, service expansion, and a new process integration line. The conversation also covers market response and future installations, as well as Pluritec's new partnership with IEC.
Mycronic Releases Interim Report January–March 2024
04/18/2024 | MycronicNet sales increased 39 percent to SEK 1,692 (1,219) million. Based on constant exchange rates, net sales increased 42 percent.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Exploring Silicone Solutions with R&D Director of CHT
04/17/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn this interview, Gerry Ellis, the R&D director for CHT, discusses the product range offered by his company. He explains the challenges in creating base formulations, the drive to make products more user-friendly, and the various application techniques involved. Ellis also highlights the key market segments and the significance of providing efficient solutions to customers.