As CIOs plan for the post-pandemic era, there’s more focus on Cloud-First architectures that can better manage change, increase business agility and lower costs.
Shashi Kiran, Chief Marketing Officer at Aryaka, draws from conversations with customers and partners to share his insights on key SD-WAN and SASE architecture attributes required for next-generation infrastructure deployments.
Pekka Lundmark, who was appointed President and CEO of Nokia earlier this year, outlined further updates to the company's strategy and operating model. A first look at the new strategy was provided on October 29 - see below). Nokia’s previously provided outlook for 2020 and 2021 remains unchanged. In connection with its Q3 2020 results, Nokia expects comparable* operating margin of 7-10% in 2021.
“We are positioning Nokia to lead in a changing world,” says Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia. “The world faces big problems: environmental issues, resource scarcity, inequality and stalling productivity. Technology will be an essential part of the solution. As a result, we will see an increase in critical networks, which will extend to all corners of society...”
“We are well positioned to be a trusted partner for critical networks. We are experienced in creating both carrier-grade performance networks and working with the world’s most demanding webscales. We have a strong position in technologies that are important for critical networks, such as open and virtualized radio access networks and we are on course for a 100% cloud-native software portfolio,” says Lundmark.
Some highlights from the presentation:
Mobile Networks’ immediate focus will be on executing its turnaround and regaining 5G leadership. It will focus on leadership in ORAN and vRAN, maintaining scale with CSP customers and growing its enterprise-dedicated Private Wireless Networks business. It is expected to deliver comparable* operating margin of around zero percent in 2021, and significant improvement over the longer term.
Network Infrastructure (previously IP and Fixed Networks) will focus on the building blocks and essential solutions of critical networks, using its technology leadership in IP Networks, Optical Networks, Fixed Networks, and Alcatel Submarine Networks to drive digitalization across all industries. It is expected to deliver comparable operating margin in the high single digit range in 2021, and gradual improvement over the longer term.
Cloud and Network Services creates value for both service providers and enterprise customers as demand for critical networks accelerates, leading the transition to cloud-native software and as-a-service delivery models. It is expected to deliver comparable operating margin in the mid-single digit range in 2021, and significant improvement over the longer term.
Nokia Technologies will continue to monetize and grow the value of Nokia’s intellectual property and licensing revenue by investing in innovation and its world-leading patent portfolio as well as pursuing other licensing opportunities. It is expected to deliver a slight improvement in comparable* operating profit in 2021, relative to 2020, and stable performance over the longer term.
Group Common and Other, which predominately consists of corporate costs, is expected to be run in a lean manner, with costs directly embedded into the business groups whenever possible. Group Common and Other is expected to deliver a comparable* operating loss of approximately €200 million in 2021.
Nokia announced a corporate re-organization that focuses on four business groups:
A new Customer Experience organization will also be formed to strengthen customer relationships across all businesses.
“Our industry is undergoing profound changes. Industrial automation and digitalization are increasing customer demand for high-performance networks, with a trend towards open interfaces, virtualization, and cloud native software. This will revolutionize how we design, deploy, manage and sell our products and solutions,” said Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO. “As we work to renew our strategy, we will ensure we are well positioned to leverage these trends, improve our performance and position the company for long-term value creation.”
Telia Carrier is preparing to converge their IP and optical networking layers by plugging Acacia's 400G coherent modules directly into Cisco routers.
In preparation for this new solution, Telia Carrier has already deployed open line systems and terminal equipment that can support new 400G pluggable technology.
Telia Carrier said it is one of the first network operators to perform full end-to-end validation of the solution. Leveraging Acacia's 400G QSFP-DD coherent modules with OIF 400ZR and OpenZR+ operating modes, the solution can support data rates from 100G to 400G depending on the desired reach. The modules also support client n x 100GbE multiplexing functionality as well as 400GE transport.
"Conventional architectures and technologies built on decades of accumulated complexity and yesterday's truths fall short in helping us keep up with customer demands for more, consistent bandwidth and a high-quality experience. Starting in the metro, standardized coherent pluggable modules are the next natural step in evolving cost structures, efficiency and scaling capabilities. This follows our global deployments of open optical line-systems and bandwidth-optimized switch-router silicon already powering thousands of 400GE capable ports in the network," said Staffan Göjeryd, CEO at Telia Carrier.
"Pluggable 400G coherent optical transceiver modules are important to enable service providers such as Telia Carrier to migrate to a more converged network architecture capable of enabling OpEx and CapEx savings, as well as a pay as you grow business model," said Fenghai Liu, Vice President of Product Line Management at Acacia Communications.
https://www.teliacarrier.com/about-us/press-releases/tc-pluggables-using-acacias-modules-cisco.html
ADVA is playing a key role in Germany’s first open radio access network (O-RAN) proof of concept (PoC), which is being conducted by Telefónica Germany / O2.
The multi-vendor PoC is built on ADVA’s Ensemble Activator running on Edgecore’s switching device. Developed as part of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), the software frees mobile network operators (MNOs) from closed proprietary systems and enables them to create vendor-neutral disaggregated infrastructure with best-of-breed components.
ADVA's pluggable OSA 5401 PTP grandmaster is providing crucial advanced synchronization functionality, including the ability to send PTP sync information and corresponding messages with precise timestamping data. The OSA 5401 also makes this advanced operation compatible with 5G radio access points from third-party suppliers and augments the accurate timing needed.
“This PoC is an important stage in our journey towards open 5G networking. It shows how we can achieve the scale and agility needed for the widespread rollout of next-generation mobile services and underlines the benefits of vendor collaboration and interoperability,” commented Matthias Sauder, director, mobile access network, Telefónica Germany / O2. “With this open RAN pilot in our O2 live network, we’re highlighting what can be achieved when industry leaders from across the value chain cooperate closely together in an open environment. We’re also proving that a disaggregated model built on affordable software-empowered hardware can deliver transport infrastructure with new levels of efficiency – for 4G as well as 5G networks in the future.”
“By harnessing our high-performance NOS and compact timing solution, Telefónica Germany / O2 is taking a big step towards open and disaggregated 5G networking. This PoC shows how it will be able to utilize RAN technology from multiple vendors and leverage the full benefits of separated software and hardware,” said Eli Angel, VP, product line management, ADVA. “As we’re proving in multiple real-world trials with major MNOs, our Ensemble Activator is the ideal choice for turning third-party white box switches from a wide range of suppliers into disaggregated cell site gateways (DCSGs). What’s more, our OSA 5401 provides the strict timing and interoperability needed for an open model. To put it simply, our technology is the key to making open RAN work.”
Videotron launched its 5G network with a rollout beginning gradually in Montréal and then extending to Québec’s other urban centers.
After many successful decades in the cable television and Internet access business, Videotron launched its initial wireless operation in 2010. As of September 30, 2020, Videotron was serving 1,452,600 mobile subscribers.
For the launch, Samsung has provided 5G RAN, which covers 600MHz, 700MHz, 2.6GHz and AWS spectrums. Moreover, Samsung’s 5G RAN supports both LTE and 5G NR, enabling convenient operation of a network, and saves installation space while reducing CAPEX and OPEX.
“This is a big day for Videotron!” says Jean-François Pruneau, President and CEO of Videotron. “5G technology is throwing the doors open to a world of marvels and Videotron is very enthusiastic about embarking on the path to this promising and exciting future, in which technology will truly serve the daily needs and wants of our families and businesses.”
“Samsung is pleased to support Videotron for its first 5G service. This commercial rollout will open up new exciting experiences for Videotron’s 5G users,” said Jeff Jo, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Canada. “Together with Videotron, Samsung will leverage its successful 5G experiences to bring reliable and advanced 5G services to users in Canada.”
https://videotron.com/residential/p/mobile/5g/A-psku13630330e
Fujitsu Network Communications introduced a set of cloud-native microapplications for transforming traditional network operations with the power of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Fujitsu said its Virtuora Analytics Transformation (AX) provides deep analysis and network intelligence for complex datasets, to automate correlation, prediction and anomaly detection for proactive and automated resolution. Network service delivery in today’s hyper-connected, digital age requires a more agile operations model enabled by virtualized and cloud-capable infrastructure. The Virtuora AX solution combines powerful network data analysis with intelligent automation to constantly evaluate and improve service performance, as well as the digital infrastructure that powers it. Virtuora AX applies vendor-neutral data extraction, analytics and ML to enable a wide range of network-centric AI applications, including:
“The inherent complexity of next-generation networks has raised the stakes for service providers, taking analytics, machine learning and AI from concept to critical need,” said Francois Lafontaine, vice president and head of the software business at Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. “With the new Fujitsu Virtuora AX network intelligence solution, AI is now within reach for network service providers, enabling them to increase operational efficiencies, reduce downtime and improve overall customer experience for significant competitive advantage.”
https://marketing.us.fujitsu.com/rs/407-MTR-501/images/Virtuora%20AX%20Solution%20Brief.pdf
DE-CIX announced two new Internet Exchanges in North America: one now available in Chicago, IL, and one soon to be ready for service in Richmond, VA. The two locations expand upon and interconnect with DE-CIX North America’s existing multi-service interconnection platforms in the New York and Dallas metro markets.
DE-CIX Chicago is available for service today in 12 facilities throughout the metro market including key carrier hotels 427 S. LaSalle and 350 E. Cermak. The fully redundant and distributed carrier and data center neutral IX and multi-service interconnection fabric of DE-CIX Chicago, launches with more than 10 networks connected day one. DE-CIX Chicago anchors the Midwest region for DE-CIX North America. Connectivity in and throughout Chicago reaches the east, west and southern coasts of the United States with direct connectivity to Canada, firmly positioning the market as a core interconnection point in North America. Until today, Chicago is the only core communications hub without a second major Internet Exchange. Similar to the Dallas market prior to DE-CIX Dallas’ launch in 2016, DE-CIX intends to create a second major IX in the Chicago market, offering the community increased choice and improved interconnection quality and services.
DE-CIX’s Richmond expansion, RVA-IX | Richmond Virginia Internet Exchange, leverages the market’s existing IX, illustrating the company’s eagerness to support community-lead IX initiatives. RVA-IX was launched in 2016 as a non-profit community by: SummitIG, Richweb, VA Skywire, Pixel Factory, and the Bank of Virginia. The RVA-IX has access points throughout the Richmond market with Pixel Factory Data Center, EdgeConneX, and QTS Datacenters. Through the asset acquisition of the RVA-IX, DE-CIX will take operational ownership, and will expand upon its interconnection capabilities benefiting the local and regional market. Integration into the DE-CIX interconnection ecosystem means that connected networks in Richmond will have access to more services, can reach other DE-CIX locations and more ASNs, and can enjoy increased redundancy and resilience.
“As we approach 2021, DE-CIX North America is embarking on a new era of interconnection. By announcing these two very important Internet Exchange locations for DE-CIX, Chicago and Richmond, we will have four key markets fortified for interconnectivity solutions,” comments Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX International. “The success of DE-CIX New York, now ranking among the top five IXs in North America with over 260 networks, and DE-CIX Dallas, which ranks among the top 20 IXs in North America with over 90 networks, solidifies our position in the market as the leading neutral interconnection platform provider for Internet peering and cloud connectivity.”
https://www.de-cix.net/
DISH Network plans to sell $2 billion in convertible notes to help cover its 5G network buildout costs.
The company also expects to grant to the initial purchaser an option to purchase up to an additional $300 million aggregate principal amount of the notes to cover over-allotments, if any.
DISH has previously announced plans to deploy an O-RAN architecture in its 5G network.
Samsung Electronics and IBM announced a collaboration to provide enterprises with new solutions for mobile edge computing and end-to-end private 5G networks that run on open architecture and empower workers through 5G-enabled Samsung Galaxy devices.
“The move to standalone 5G has accelerated the adoption of IIoT solutions and will require businesses to adopt an edge computing strategy that allows them to manage their IT environments from anywhere,” said KC Choi, EVP and Head of Global Mobile B2B Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to work with IBM to discover how our unique devices, mobile IoT and network solutions can provide frontline workers with access to better data and more actionable insights to take their business to the next level.”
https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-and-ibm-plan-to-help-businesses-embrace-the-fourth-industrial-revolution
Mavenir has formed a new business unit to develop production quality hardware and software for radio designs compatible with OpenRAN architecture. The goal is to enable vendors/partners to build radios for specific markets. Mikael Rylander will lead this Business Group as SVP and GM, Radio Business Unit, to focus on RRUs and RRU ecosystem.
“Our OpenRAN deployments and trials are gaining momentum globally. To further strengthen our roadmap and ongoing Radio Access strategic initiatives, I am pleased to announce the formation of an RRU Business Unit,” said Pardeep Kohli, President and CEO of Mavenir. “With our leadership in OpenRAN, we want to enable best-in-class partner ecosystem that can together deliver a portfolio of compelling OpenRAN radios. We will support this ecosystem with RRU software, expertise, facilitation of appropriate production sites and RRU validation with our vRAN products. These radios will be available for use by any OpenRAN vendor and not exclusively to Mavenir.”
In addition, Puneet Sethi will be joining Mavenir as SVP/GM, to lead the RAN Business Unit and focus on creating and delivering market leading CU and DU Software solutions. Mavenir’s CU and DU solutions are designed based on OpenRAN principles and are already deployed with multiple OpenRAN compliant 3rd party radios. Remaining committed to those OpenRAN principles, Mavenir’s CU and DU software solutions will work with both Mavenir radio unit products and 3rd party radio units, thereby offering customers the widest choice in the industry.
Puneet joins Mavenir most recently from Qualcomm where he helped establish Small Cells and RAN Infra Business ground up to its existing industry leading position in 5G
Inventec, a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of consumer technology devices, has selected Affirmed Networks to deliver secure, private 5G networks for their smart manufacturing.
Affirmed Networks is a division of Microsoft. Affirmed UnityCloud is a 5G SA core, cloud-native solution built on an open, webscale architecture. Affirmed has partnered with HPE Communication and Media Solutions for its 5G Subscriber Data Management and ASOCS to provide Inventec with a complete end to end 5G solution to enable this innovative use case for Industry 4.0.
The companies describe Inventec’s UnityCloud deployment as "the first fully Cloud-Native 5G Standalone network within the Industry 4.0 arena."
“Inventec has fully embraced the Industry 4.0 initiative, as it is in direct alignment with our focus on innovation and our digital transformation strategy,” said Albert Chen, Senior Vice President, Inventec. “As the most critical component of IoT and Smart Manufacturing, connectivity must be ubiquitous, reliable and secure. After evaluating some of the more traditional approaches, we realized that the implementation of our own Private 5G network was the best way to ensure we had ‘always on’ coverage. Affirmed Networks was the obvious partner for us, as their innovative, cloud-native 5G standalone core delivers unrivaled performance that matches our Industry 4.0 needs.”
“Inventec is an example of an innovative company that seeks to use cutting-edge technology to deliver on its digital transformation objectives and ambitions,” said Sanjay Mewada, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Affirmed Networks. “Through their selection of Affirmed Networks as their 5G partner, Inventec is ensuring that its Smart Manufacturing initiative is equipped with the flexibility, security and performance required to deliver upon its Industry 4.0 vision.”
Arvind Krishna, who currently serves as IBM's CEO, has been elected as chairman of the board, effective January 1, 2021. Krishna succeeds IBM executive chairman Virginia M. Rometty, who is retiring on December 31.
Mr. Krishna, 58, was elected IBM's 10th CEO in January, and assumed the position on April 6, 2020 after holding numerous senior leadership positions in the company, most recently as IBM senior vice president for cloud and cognitive software, where he was a principal architect of the company's acquisition of Red Hat. Recently, he announced the spin-off of IBM's $19 billion Managed Infrastructure Services business, to be completed in 2021, which will create two industry-leading companies and enable IBM to focus on its leading open Hybrid Cloud and Artificial Intelligence Platform. He joined IBM in 1990 and became a director of the company in April.
