IBM has introduced a hybrid cloud service to help telecommunications companies across the globe address the challenges associated with the highly-regulated industry.
The new IBM Cloud for Telecommunications is an open, hybrid cloud architecture designed to assist telcos to improve agility as they modernise their enterprise applications and infrastructure, to unlock the power of 5G and edge.
It also helps them execute their customers’ business transformation strategies, enhance digital client engagement services and improve business agility, according to a statement.
The platform, which leverages Red Hat OpenShift, is built on IBM Cloud Satellite, currently in beta, and allows organisations to deploy IBM Cloud services anywhere: on the cloud, on-premises or at the edge, while addressing industry-specific and data protection requirements.
“As 5G becomes more prevalent, telecommunications providers are transforming their networks into agile platforms that can efficiently scale to support growing volumes of data, voice and multimedia services,” says Howard Boville, senior VP of hybrid cloud at IBM.
“Ecosystems are crucial in driving digital transformation for customers, enabling them to scale and innovate through partnerships that combine best-in-class technology and deep industry expertise. This is why, alongside more than 35 partners who have committed to join our ecosystem, we are excited to launch the IBM Cloud for Telecommunications.”
The new service comes a few weeks after the American multinational technology and consulting company announced it is splitting into two – separating the Managed Infrastructure Services unit of its Global Technology Services division into a new public company called NewCo.
The separation, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, will create two companies: IBM will focus on its open hybrid cloud platform and artificial intelligence capabilities, while NewCo will design, run and modernise organisations’ infrastructure.
According to a recent IBM Institute for Business Value study, 60% of executives at communications firms surveyed agree they must virtualise their entire network across edge locations, but only half of them are prepared to virtualise in a cloud-native environment.
“We are happy to team up with IBM to develop 5G solutions at the telecom edge, with Red Hat OpenShift,” says Jane Rygaard, head of edge cloud at Nokia.
“We believe that our service provider customers will benefit greatly from having an additional choice to quickly and efficiently deploy private 5G networks. The transition to 5G will be a key step for industries to deliver on their digital transformation plans. Having multiple options of cloud-based solutions will help our industry build this path forward.”
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