The cloudification of networks, using cloud design principles and tools, is happening fast, fundamentally changing how network services are built, deployed and consumed. Communication service providers (CSPs) are on the front lines of this opportunity. 5G offers CSPs exciting opportunities to launch new services in categories spanning 5G slicing, the industrial internet of things, smart cities, video services, gaming and entertainment, healthcare and more.
Capitalizing on these opportunities requires service providers to transform their networks, to make them more flexible, agile, scalable and efficient. The shift to cloud-native deployment models and containerized microservices empowers CSPs to deploy composable applications anywhere in the infrastructure—supporting new business models, opening new revenue streams, increasing average revenue per user and delivering enhanced services to customers.
This article focuses on five ways the cloudification of networks is being enabled by Google Cloud and Intel, with the goal of providing fertile ground for new and enhanced CSP services.
- Delivering immersive and intelligent experiences—The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), computer vision, high-performance computing, bandwidth and edge infrastructure makes it possible to deliver a compelling set of new immersive and intelligent experiences. For example, shoppers can look at themselves in a virtual mirror at a retail site and try on multiple outfits, an important way for brick and mortar stores to compete with online businesses. Or, manufacturers can save time and money via autonomous processing of video to detect defects on factory floors. CSPs need a highly performant 5G edge network and a multi-access edge computing platform to deliver these services in real time. Using Intel 3rd generation Xeon™ processors and Google Distributed Cloud Edge, CSPs can start to build services on top of the platform to support such enhanced experiences.
- Enabling edge networks that are more scalable and agile—As the speed necessary to support next-generation network services moves beyond the ability of humans to scale and manage the infrastructure, automation is essential to deliver consistency in performance, operations, app development and data science. The cloudification of networks enables CSPs to increase the use of automation in their services with tools such as Google Kubernetes Engine and dynamic edge infrastructure powered by 3rd generation Intel™ Xeon™ processors. The use of cloud-centric networks, enhanced with AI and ML, reduces costs for CSPs and improves operational efficiencies.
- Improving network flexibility using cloud principles—Modern network services will constantly evolve based on the demands of both businesses and consumers. For example, leveraging Google Cloud Anthos brings cloud-first consistency across Google’s own data centers, CSP data centers and enterprise edges. Google Cloud and Intel solutions harmonize full visibility, management, security and site reliability engineering practices to deliver in real time the utmost in flexibility and agility as workloads or customers change.
- Delivering high-speed mobile connectivity for multiple customers and use cases—The connection speed of 5G networks, particularly those using mmWave high-speed technology, brings wireless networks to parity with wired options. This will enable many new use cases, especially those driven by sensors and devices, which will attract new customers. Google Distributed Cloud Edge enables CSPs to run 5G core and RAN at the edges, powered by Intel eASIC accelerators and Intel FlexRAN reference software.
- Providing a complete ecosystem for CSPs to monetize the 5G edge opportunity—If a single segment of the 5G edge market, network slicing, is a multibillion-dollar opportunity for CSPs, the entire 5G edge market will be a primary growth opportunity for CSPs. The question for many CSPs is how to get there fast. Google and Intel, along with a growing ecosystem of enterprise application providers and OSS/BSS and CSP network function partners—including Amdocs, Matrixx Software, Netcracker and Nokia—are helping to provide a complete, carrier-grade solution for CSPs.
CSPs will be delivering new services that enable businesses to be more mobile and agile and to run more efficiently. This requires leveraging “cloudified” edge networks designed from the outset to support such capabilities. Google Cloud and Intel are focused on delivering a fully cloudified 5G edge network that increases operational efficiency, is built on open standards and provides a complete ecosystem as the foundation for next-generation CSP services. With it, CSPs will be able to do even more to help their customers modernize and meet their needs. To learn about Bell Canada's cloudification of their network please go here..
