独家
深度:5G将重新定义电信系统集成商的角色
所有地区的消费者市场都停滞不前，这让电信公司别无选择，只能探索新的增长途径。此外，随着5G服务以及边缘计算和网络切片的推出，电信公司正在寻求获得专业服务和IT服务能力。
作者:Gagandeep Kaur
对超越商品化语音和数据服务以及即将到来的5g用例的需求日益增长，正推动电信服务提供商获得系统集成(SI)功能，通过向企业部门提供新的用例来增加收入。
越来越多的电信公司正在与si合作，以获得获取专用网络和物联网(IoT)机会的能力。几笔交易表明通信服务提供商(csp)和系统集成商(SIs)之间的平衡发生了变化。例如，最近，西班牙电信科技公司(Telefonica Tech)与科技巨头微软合作，提供私有5G和内部边缘计算，以满足企业市场的需求。
最近,Bharti Airtel宣布与塔塔咨询服务(TCS)。根据协议条款，巴蒂电信将试点和部署塔塔的技术，作为其5G推出计划的一部分。另一方面，TCS已经开发了基于O-RAN的无线电和NSA/SA核心，并集成了自主开发的电信堆栈。
越来越多的机会
“毫无疑问，电信运营商需要发展系统集成能力，特别是解决问题行业数字化的需求。5G和专用网络是全球许多电信公司试图开发SI能力的进一步动机。在行业数字化转型解决方案中，连接性只是其中的一个元素，”Amresh Nandan说，他是at的研究副总裁，通信服务提供商Gartner．
支持5g的专用网络是电信公司的一个关键机会。然而，互联互通只是企业的需求之一。企业希望在通信网络上部署多个业务应用程序，通常情况下，他们希望与一个供应商打交道，而不是针对不同组件与多个供应商打交道。这正是电信公司需要系统集成专业知识的地方。他们自己无法满足企业的需要。此外，在SI的帮助下，电信公司可以成为软件即服务(SaaS)服务提供商，根据需要提供集成系统和定制的垂直服务。通过这种方式，电信公司可以大幅扩展他们的服务组合。
对电信公司有利的是，它们在接近数据源和规模方面拥有天然而独特的优势。此外，通过利用人工智能(AI)和机器学习(ML)，电信公司可以自动化网络运营，改善客户体验，并致力于新的业务模式，这可能会给他们带来竞争优势。然而，所有这些都需要大量的软件技能，如虚拟化和编排，这与系统集成商有关。
“电信服务提供商正面临利润率下降和基础设施成本上升的挑战。因此，目前的网络需要进行5G的革命性变革，为此，作为“软件即插即用平台”管理和运营网络非常重要。系统集成商(SI)被嵌入并配备了所需的软件技术深度，对开源行业和创新者或超级规模者具有强大的影响力。这使他们能够充当满足运营商转型需求的“一站式商店”，”Tech Mahindra通信、媒体和娱乐业务总裁兼网络服务首席执行官Manish Vyas说。
物联网(IoT)是电信公司需要si帮助的另一个领域。开发物联网用例需要对企业生态系统有深刻的理解，而电信公司缺乏这一点。通常，他们只是为企业提供连接解决方案。他们还努力集成不同用例所需的所有设备。
此外，电信公司正在向数字服务提供商迈进，以满足客户的需求。这就需要云计算、应用集成、大数据、自动化、编排和网络工程等新技能。具体来说，正在开发的Open RAN生态系统是以软件为中心的，并且基于虚拟化和编排原则，而电信公司通常不具备这些原则。它还需要将不同供应商的产品组合在一起的技能，而这些正是si所擅长的领域。
读也
获得SI能力的挑战
然而，发展SI能力对电信公司来说并非没有挑战。一个关键的挑战是，电信公司主要销售语音和数据等商品服务。通常情况下，电信公司缺乏了解企业问题并制定解决方案的心态。电信公司的流程和组织结构并没有为此做好准备。进一步增加挑战的是，没有标准公式，每个企业都有自己独特的要求。
“对于电信公司来说，发展SI能力并不容易，因为这意味着开发一种新的实践。这需要一种解决问题的心态。电信公司习惯于销售商品化的服务，通常没有为不同企业和行业垂直领域开发差异化解决方案的心态，”南丹解释道。
威瑞森例如，Orange Business Services (OBS)和AT&T是率先开发SI功能以满足企业需求的电信公司。正是由于这个原因，我们正在见证csp和si之间更大的合作。
系统集成商和电信公司之间主要有三种参与模式。第一个是电信公司与SI合作，将新服务引入市场。系统集成商无一例外地在这方面发挥着至关重要的作用，电信公司失去了与客户的直接联系。
第二种模式是电信公司扮演主导角色，是面向客户的合作伙伴。电信公司需要这一点来竞标大型交易，在这些交易中，他们需要展示SI的能力。最后，第三种模式是当电信公司致力于建立内部SI能力，以应对发展中的市场机会。
电信公司选择的道路很大程度上取决于其自身的雄心、战略和市场地位。Orange Business Services和NTT是第三种类型的例子，csp正在开发自己的SI能力。
“运营商正以多种方式与si合作——作为解决方案提供商、基础设施合作伙伴和生态系统推动者。未来，随着网络变得更加灵活和软件驱动，持续集成商将成为管理网络生命周期和推出新服务的关键参与者，并最终发展成为值得信赖的业务合作伙伴，”Tech Mahindra的Vyas说。
随着我们的进展，SIs和csp之间的合作和协作可能会增加。因此，随着电信公司和si试图找到合适的模式，可能会出现几种模式。预计印度电信公司也将与si合作，以增加企业部门的收入。Airtel-TCS的交易可能只是印度市场上许多此类交易中的第一笔，因为其他服务提供商也开始采取措施获得SI能力，以攀登价值链并满足企业部门的需求。
(Gagandeep Kaur，新德里独立电信记者)
Ceragon表示，随着印度电信公司准备推出5G，第二季度收到了超过3500万美元的后续订单
据该公司称，3月份进行的频谱拍卖、需要在家工作和在家学习的Covid-19大流行，以及支持5G推出的准备工作，都是运营商扩大网络的驱动因素。
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<\/figure>By Gagandeep Kaur <\/strong>
The growing need to go beyond the commoditized voice and data services and the upcoming 5G-enabled use cases is pushing the telecom service providers to acquire System Integration (SI) capabilities to increase their revenue by offering new use cases to the enterprise segment.
Increasingly several telcos are collaborating with SIs to gain competencies to capture private networks and Internet of Things (IoT) opportunities. Several deals indicate a shift in the equation between the Communications Service Providers (CSPs) and System Integrators (SIs). For instance, recently, Telefonica Tech collaborated with tech giant Microsoft to offer private 5G and on-premise edge computing to address the requirements of the enterprise segment.
<\/div><\/div>Another prominent example is the partnership between IBM and AT&T. As per this deal, AT&T gets IBM's systems integration expertise to create new services. IBM will make AT&T Business its primary provider of software-defined networking. At the same time, AT&T Business will help transform IBM's networking solutions with their latest technologies, including 5G, Edge Compute, and Internet of Things (IoT), along with multi-cloud capabilities using Red Hat.
More recently, Bharti Airtel<\/a> announced a partnership with Tata Consultancy Services<\/a> (TCS). As per the terms of the agreement, Bharti Airtel will pilot and deploy Tata's technology as part of its 5G rollout plans. On the other hand, TCS has developed an O-RAN based Radio and NSA\/SA Core and has integrated an indigenously-developed telecom stack.
Growing opportunities
<\/strong>
\u201cThere is little doubt that the telcos need to develop system integration capabilities, particularly to address industry<\/a> digitalisation requirements. 5G and private networks are the further motivation why many telcos across the world are trying to develop SI capabilities. In the industry digital transformation solutions, connectivity is just one of the elements,\" says Amresh Nandan, Research Vice President-Communications Service Provider at Gartner<\/a>.
More recently, Bharti Airtel<\/a> announced a partnership with Tata Consultancy Services<\/a> (TCS). As per the terms of the agreement, Bharti Airtel will pilot and deploy Tata's technology as part of its 5G rollout plans. On the other hand, TCS has developed an O-RAN based Radio and NSA\/SA Core and has integrated an indigenously-developed telecom stack.
Growing opportunities
<\/strong>
\u201cThere is little doubt that the telcos need to develop system integration capabilities, particularly to address industry<\/a> digitalisation requirements. 5G and private networks are the further motivation why many telcos across the world are trying to develop SI capabilities. In the industry digital transformation solutions, connectivity is just one of the elements,\" says Amresh Nandan, Research Vice President-Communications Service Provider at Gartner<\/a>.
<\/div><\/div>The consumer market is stagnating in all geographies leaving telcos with little option but to explore new avenues of growth. Further, with 5G services being rolled out along with edge computing and network slicing, the telcos are looking to acquire professional services and IT services capabilities.
5G-enabled private networks is a key opportunity for the telcos. However, connectivity is just one of the requirements of enterprises. Businesses are looking to deploy several business applications on the communications networks, and typically, they want to deal with one vendor instead of several vendors for different components. It is here that the telcos need system integration expertise. They alone are unable to meet the needs of the enterprises. Further, with SI help, telcos can become Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) service providers, providing integrated systems and customized vertical services as needed. This way, telcos stand to expand their service portfolio considerably.
In telcos' favour, they have natural and unique advantages in being close to data sources and scale. Further, by taking advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML), the telcos can automate network operations, improve customer experience, and work on new business models that can potentially give them a competitive edge. However, all this requires extensive software skills like virtualization and orchestration, which are associated with system integrators.
\"Telecom service providers are facing challenges related to lower margins and rising infrastructure costs. Hence, current networks require a revolutionary transformation with 5G, for which, it is important to manage and operate networks as a 'Software Plug and Play Platform'. System Integrators (SI) are embedded and equipped with the required software technology depth and have a strong influence on the open-source industry and innovators or hyperscalers. This enables them to act as a 'one-stop shop' for carriers' transformation requirements,\" says Manish Vyas, President, Communications, Media and Entertainment Business, and CEO, Network Services, Tech Mahindra.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another area where telcos need a helping hand from the SIs. Developing IoT use cases demands a deep understanding of the enterprise ecosystem and telcos lack this. Typically, they have just provided connectivity solutions to the enterprises. They also struggle to integrate all devices as required by different use cases.
Further, the telcos are advancing to become digital service providers to meet the needs of their customers. This requires new skills like cloud computing, application integration, Big Data, automation, orchestration and network engineering. Specifically, the developing Open RAN ecosystem is software-centric and is based on the principles of virtualization and orchestration, which telcos typically don't have. It also demands skills to put together products from different vendors and these are the areas where SIs excel.
Read also<\/h3>
5G-enabled private networks is a key opportunity for the telcos. However, connectivity is just one of the requirements of enterprises. Businesses are looking to deploy several business applications on the communications networks, and typically, they want to deal with one vendor instead of several vendors for different components. It is here that the telcos need system integration expertise. They alone are unable to meet the needs of the enterprises. Further, with SI help, telcos can become Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) service providers, providing integrated systems and customized vertical services as needed. This way, telcos stand to expand their service portfolio considerably.
In telcos' favour, they have natural and unique advantages in being close to data sources and scale. Further, by taking advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML), the telcos can automate network operations, improve customer experience, and work on new business models that can potentially give them a competitive edge. However, all this requires extensive software skills like virtualization and orchestration, which are associated with system integrators.
\"Telecom service providers are facing challenges related to lower margins and rising infrastructure costs. Hence, current networks require a revolutionary transformation with 5G, for which, it is important to manage and operate networks as a 'Software Plug and Play Platform'. System Integrators (SI) are embedded and equipped with the required software technology depth and have a strong influence on the open-source industry and innovators or hyperscalers. This enables them to act as a 'one-stop shop' for carriers' transformation requirements,\" says Manish Vyas, President, Communications, Media and Entertainment Business, and CEO, Network Services, Tech Mahindra.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another area where telcos need a helping hand from the SIs. Developing IoT use cases demands a deep understanding of the enterprise ecosystem and telcos lack this. Typically, they have just provided connectivity solutions to the enterprises. They also struggle to integrate all devices as required by different use cases.
Further, the telcos are advancing to become digital service providers to meet the needs of their customers. This requires new skills like cloud computing, application integration, Big Data, automation, orchestration and network engineering. Specifically, the developing Open RAN ecosystem is software-centric and is based on the principles of virtualization and orchestration, which telcos typically don't have. It also demands skills to put together products from different vendors and these are the areas where SIs excel.
Read also<\/h3><\/a><\/div>5G: A new start to the world\/India<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>BSNL tender: HFCL, ITI, TechM, L&T, TCS and Galore submit bid to trial 4G core, radio tech<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>Airtel, Tatas join forces to counter Jio's made-in-India 5G technology<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>After Jio, Intel lands new O-RAN 5G network deal with Airtel<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/div>
The challenges in acquiring SI capabilities
<\/strong>
However, developing SI capabilities is not without challenge for the telcos. A key challenge is that the telcos are geared to sell commodity services like voice and data. Typically, telcos lack the mindset to understand the enterprises' problems and then develop a solution. The telcos' processes and organizational structure is not geared for this. What further adds to the challenge is that there is no standard formula, every enterprise is different with its own unique requirement.
\u201cIt is not easy for telcos to develop SI capabilities as it means developing a new practice. It calls for a solutioning mindset. Telcos are used to selling commoditized services and typically don\u2019t have the mindset to develop differentiated solutions for different enterprises and industry verticals,\u201d explains Nandan.
Verizon<\/a>, Orange Business Services (OBS), and AT&T are some of the telcos that have taken the lead in developing SI capabilities to address the demands of the enterprise segment. It is for this reason that we are witnessing a greater collaboration between CSPs and SIs.
There are primarily three models of engagement developing between the system integrators and telcos. The first is where the telco collaborates with the SI for bringing new services into the marketplace. Invariably, the system integrator plays a crucial role in this, and telcos lose the direct connection with the customer.
The second model is when the telco plays the dominant role and is the customer-facing partner. Telcos need this to bid for the large deals where they need to demonstrate the SI capabilities. Finally, the third model is when the telco works to build in-house SI capabilities to address the developing market opportunities.
The path a telco takes largely depends on its own ambitions, strategy and its position in the marketplace. Orange Business Services and NTT are examples of the third type, where the CSPs are developing their own SI capabilities.
\"Carriers are engaging SIs in multiple ways - as solution providers, infrastructure partners and ecosystem enablers. In future, as networks become more flexible and software-driven, continuous integrators will be the key players in managing network lifecycle and launching new services while eventually evolving into trusted business partners,\" says Vyas of Tech Mahindra.
As we advance, there is likely to be increased cooperation and collaboration between the SIs and CSPs. As a result, several models are likely to develop as the telcos and SIs try to find the right fit. The Indian telcos are also expected to collaborate with the SIs to grow their revenue from the enterprise segment. Airtel-TCS deal might just be the first of the many such deals in the Indian market as other service providers also start taking steps to acquire SI competencies to climb the value chain and address the enterprise segment's demands.
(Gagandeep Kaur is a New Delhi-based independent telecom journalist)
<\/em><\/strong>
<\/a><\/div>5G: A new start to the world\/India<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>BSNL tender: HFCL, ITI, TechM, L&T, TCS and Galore submit bid to trial 4G core, radio tech<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>Airtel, Tatas join forces to counter Jio's made-in-India 5G technology<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>After Jio, Intel lands new O-RAN 5G network deal with Airtel<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/div>
The challenges in acquiring SI capabilities
<\/strong>
However, developing SI capabilities is not without challenge for the telcos. A key challenge is that the telcos are geared to sell commodity services like voice and data. Typically, telcos lack the mindset to understand the enterprises' problems and then develop a solution. The telcos' processes and organizational structure is not geared for this. What further adds to the challenge is that there is no standard formula, every enterprise is different with its own unique requirement.
\u201cIt is not easy for telcos to develop SI capabilities as it means developing a new practice. It calls for a solutioning mindset. Telcos are used to selling commoditized services and typically don\u2019t have the mindset to develop differentiated solutions for different enterprises and industry verticals,\u201d explains Nandan.
Verizon<\/a>, Orange Business Services (OBS), and AT&T are some of the telcos that have taken the lead in developing SI capabilities to address the demands of the enterprise segment. It is for this reason that we are witnessing a greater collaboration between CSPs and SIs.
There are primarily three models of engagement developing between the system integrators and telcos. The first is where the telco collaborates with the SI for bringing new services into the marketplace. Invariably, the system integrator plays a crucial role in this, and telcos lose the direct connection with the customer.
The second model is when the telco plays the dominant role and is the customer-facing partner. Telcos need this to bid for the large deals where they need to demonstrate the SI capabilities. Finally, the third model is when the telco works to build in-house SI capabilities to address the developing market opportunities.
The path a telco takes largely depends on its own ambitions, strategy and its position in the marketplace. Orange Business Services and NTT are examples of the third type, where the CSPs are developing their own SI capabilities.
\"Carriers are engaging SIs in multiple ways - as solution providers, infrastructure partners and ecosystem enablers. In future, as networks become more flexible and software-driven, continuous integrators will be the key players in managing network lifecycle and launching new services while eventually evolving into trusted business partners,\" says Vyas of Tech Mahindra.
As we advance, there is likely to be increased cooperation and collaboration between the SIs and CSPs. As a result, several models are likely to develop as the telcos and SIs try to find the right fit. The Indian telcos are also expected to collaborate with the SIs to grow their revenue from the enterprise segment. Airtel-TCS deal might just be the first of the many such deals in the Indian market as other service providers also start taking steps to acquire SI competencies to climb the value chain and address the enterprise segment's demands.
(Gagandeep Kaur is a New Delhi-based independent telecom journalist)
<\/em><\/strong>
<\/a><\/div>BSNL tender: HFCL, ITI, TechM, L&T, TCS and Galore submit bid to trial 4G core, radio tech<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>Airtel, Tatas join forces to counter Jio's made-in-India 5G technology<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>After Jio, Intel lands new O-RAN 5G network deal with Airtel<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/div>
The challenges in acquiring SI capabilities
<\/strong>
However, developing SI capabilities is not without challenge for the telcos. A key challenge is that the telcos are geared to sell commodity services like voice and data. Typically, telcos lack the mindset to understand the enterprises' problems and then develop a solution. The telcos' processes and organizational structure is not geared for this. What further adds to the challenge is that there is no standard formula, every enterprise is different with its own unique requirement.
\u201cIt is not easy for telcos to develop SI capabilities as it means developing a new practice. It calls for a solutioning mindset. Telcos are used to selling commoditized services and typically don\u2019t have the mindset to develop differentiated solutions for different enterprises and industry verticals,\u201d explains Nandan.
Verizon<\/a>, Orange Business Services (OBS), and AT&T are some of the telcos that have taken the lead in developing SI capabilities to address the demands of the enterprise segment. It is for this reason that we are witnessing a greater collaboration between CSPs and SIs.
There are primarily three models of engagement developing between the system integrators and telcos. The first is where the telco collaborates with the SI for bringing new services into the marketplace. Invariably, the system integrator plays a crucial role in this, and telcos lose the direct connection with the customer.
The second model is when the telco plays the dominant role and is the customer-facing partner. Telcos need this to bid for the large deals where they need to demonstrate the SI capabilities. Finally, the third model is when the telco works to build in-house SI capabilities to address the developing market opportunities.
The path a telco takes largely depends on its own ambitions, strategy and its position in the marketplace. Orange Business Services and NTT are examples of the third type, where the CSPs are developing their own SI capabilities.
\"Carriers are engaging SIs in multiple ways - as solution providers, infrastructure partners and ecosystem enablers. In future, as networks become more flexible and software-driven, continuous integrators will be the key players in managing network lifecycle and launching new services while eventually evolving into trusted business partners,\" says Vyas of Tech Mahindra.
As we advance, there is likely to be increased cooperation and collaboration between the SIs and CSPs. As a result, several models are likely to develop as the telcos and SIs try to find the right fit. The Indian telcos are also expected to collaborate with the SIs to grow their revenue from the enterprise segment. Airtel-TCS deal might just be the first of the many such deals in the Indian market as other service providers also start taking steps to acquire SI competencies to climb the value chain and address the enterprise segment's demands.
(Gagandeep Kaur is a New Delhi-based independent telecom journalist)
<\/em><\/strong>
<\/a><\/div>Airtel, Tatas join forces to counter Jio's made-in-India 5G technology<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div>After Jio, Intel lands new O-RAN 5G network deal with Airtel<\/h4><\/a><\/div><\/div>
The challenges in acquiring SI capabilities
<\/strong>
However, developing SI capabilities is not without challenge for the telcos. A key challenge is that the telcos are geared to sell commodity services like voice and data. Typically, telcos lack the mindset to understand the enterprises' problems and then develop a solution. The telcos' processes and organizational structure is not geared for this. What further adds to the challenge is that there is no standard formula, every enterprise is different with its own unique requirement.
\u201cIt is not easy for telcos to develop SI capabilities as it means developing a new practice. It calls for a solutioning mindset. Telcos are used to selling commoditized services and typically don\u2019t have the mindset to develop differentiated solutions for different enterprises and industry verticals,\u201d explains Nandan.
Verizon<\/a>, Orange Business Services (OBS), and AT&T are some of the telcos that have taken the lead in developing SI capabilities to address the demands of the enterprise segment. It is for this reason that we are witnessing a greater collaboration between CSPs and SIs.
There are primarily three models of engagement developing between the system integrators and telcos. The first is where the telco collaborates with the SI for bringing new services into the marketplace. Invariably, the system integrator plays a crucial role in this, and telcos lose the direct connection with the customer.
The second model is when the telco plays the dominant role and is the customer-facing partner. Telcos need this to bid for the large deals where they need to demonstrate the SI capabilities. Finally, the third model is when the telco works to build in-house SI capabilities to address the developing market opportunities.
The path a telco takes largely depends on its own ambitions, strategy and its position in the marketplace. Orange Business Services and NTT are examples of the third type, where the CSPs are developing their own SI capabilities.
\"Carriers are engaging SIs in multiple ways - as solution providers, infrastructure partners and ecosystem enablers. In future, as networks become more flexible and software-driven, continuous integrators will be the key players in managing network lifecycle and launching new services while eventually evolving into trusted business partners,\" says Vyas of Tech Mahindra.
As we advance, there is likely to be increased cooperation and collaboration between the SIs and CSPs. As a result, several models are likely to develop as the telcos and SIs try to find the right fit. The Indian telcos are also expected to collaborate with the SIs to grow their revenue from the enterprise segment. Airtel-TCS deal might just be the first of the many such deals in the Indian market as other service providers also start taking steps to acquire SI competencies to climb the value chain and address the enterprise segment's demands.
(Gagandeep Kaur is a New Delhi-based independent telecom journalist)
<\/em><\/strong>
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