New technologies are evolving the way societies function, and as a result, how businesses are carried out. In the networking industry, these emerging technologies coupled with the long-lasting impact of the past year–such as remote working–are changing the way customers and communication service providers (CSPs) interact. To that end, these shifts in behavior subsequently bring in a new demand for how communication services are delivered.
Networking technologies have made some remarkable leaps in recent years. For example, system-on-a-chip advancements have elevated IoT devices to the next level. Moreover, edge computing, high-performance computing and a revolution in software, analytics and AI gave real-time local data processing a dramatic boost in its value proposition. But perhaps it is 5G that has brought forth some of the most astounding enhancements. 5G connectivity enables secure and reliable commercial and industrial operations–all of which can occur with zero latency and in real-time–that are driving the acceleration of OT/IT convergence and more.
With every new generation of wireless networking, CSPs are bound to ask the burning question: What’s the “killer app” that will help bring in more customers and revenue? In the past, each generation found its answer in the evolution of mobile device usage. However, 5G has changed the game as we know it. Through 5G, CSPs can now tap into various new opportunities in previously inaccessible enterprise markets. Because of this, there is no single killer app that fits all verticals. For example, a 5G killer app in the transportation industry will look very different to one in the health care sector.
So then, what is the killer app for 5G? To start, we should take a step back and recognize that for 5G, the killer app will be the network itself. This is because the network enables the rapid creation and launch of tailor-made 5G services to meet unique customer needs and use cases across different vertical markets. In the 5G era, the ability to bring new services with faster time-to-market while optimizing costs is the key to generating real business value.
Achieving the flexibility and agility needed for 5G services will first require an established foundation. A critical step to build that foundation is establishing a cloud-native network core and adopting automation-driven continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) functions. That way, CSPs can begin to add real value to their networks.
Why a 5G Cloud-Native Core is Mission-Critical
Cloud automation isn’t just a buzzword, and it’s becoming increasingly important. With 4G, a cloud-native core may have been a preferred option, but for 5G services–which enables a range of applications and will continually need updated capabilities–a cloud-native design is mission-critical. Through a 5G cloud-native core, the possibilities are endless, as it enables services-based architecture, improved session management, end-to-end network slicing and access-agnostic connection for seamless mobility and more.
5G networks with cloud-native cores will also continue to offer new communication features and services, of which automation will be a key enabler. This is where DevOps comes in. DevOps can improve automation to a greater extent, and help CSPs automate delivery, installation and testing. Thus, CSPs ought to embrace continuous delivery as the basis of DevOps, as DevOps automation becomes more cloud-centric. Today, many public and private cloud computing providers support cloud DevOps systems on their platforms, such as continuous integration and continuous development tools. When you consider connectivity services’ high complexity–with multi-vendor and multi-domain software supply chains and multiple production environments–an added level of process focused on delivery operations is crucial.
Embracing Continuous Delivery to Harness 5G’s Power
Continuous delivery may be a familiar concept to the cloud world, but it’s fairly new to the telecom industry. For CSPs, embracing continuous delivery in telecom networks requires the capability to meet the needs of distinctive environments and their associated challenges. One way CSPs can do that is by implementing a delivery operation (DelOps) solution: A reimagined DevOps. What makes DelOps ideal for telecom environments is its ability to leverage a many-to-many delivery and operations process–complete with design, deploy, test and operate phases.
In the telecom industry, each network and operational environment is unique; therefore, solutions aren’t “one size fits all.” For CSPs, implementing the best DelOps CI/CD solution requires them to form the right partnerships with operators. That way, they can establish a CI/CD architecture that is flexible, complements their operational environment and can be integrated with any cloud architecture.
With DelOps CI/CD solutions, seamless automation in delivery and operations can become a reality. It is the “secret sauce” to 5G success as it:
- Leverages agile processes to reduce rollout cycle times and product/services time-to-market
- Ensures the CSP’s network is up-to-date and launches new services efficiently and swiftly
- Requires less effort to conduct acceptance testing, tracking and management of release features
- Resolves issues rapidly to ensure seamless customer experience and satisfaction
As the 5G era continues to grow and evolve, the adoption of CI/CD services by CSPs should be done sooner rather than later to achieve a smooth operational journey. In doing so, CSPs can evolve their networks to the best possible level of performance—ultimately boosting their competitiveness to generate new revenues and achieve long-term success.
