NameSummaryCategoriesDatePageshf:tax:product_cat
"Disruption as-a-Service": Rakuten Symphony

The establishment of Rakuten Symphony as a distinct business unit, parallel to (not beneath) Rakuten Mobile, represented the arrival of a new and large player in the next-gen telecom market landscape. Its goals – industry disruption – are based on underlying principles that warrant a deeper analysis.

In this whitepaper, we look at the raison d’etre for Symphony’s formation and at the principles – cultural, technical, architectural – that have led to ground-breaking results already at Rakuten Mobile.

, , , , October 1, 202125rakuten-symphony module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem other-reports white-paper vendor report-type
"Telecom's to Lose": $101B Revenue Opportunity Part 1: Diagnosis

The enterprise “WAN” market is in a period of upheaval, and periods of great change create opportunity for those that are willing to move out of their comfort zone. This particular opportunity may be telecom’s first and best opportunity to break the chains of what many refer to as the “dumb pipe”.

This research note is one of a pair of related analyses. This analysis spells out the market situation and needs, essentially diagnosing why the opportunity presents fundamental challenges to today’s CSPs. In a complementary research note we offer CSPs our prescription for success.

This analysis will be of interest to product managers in telecom operators, strategists and architects looking to plan the route to growth with their enterprise customers.

, , , , January 10, 20239security module enterprise-networks operator-strategies research-note topic report-type
"Telecom's to Lose": $101B Revenue Opportunity Part 2: Prescription

The enterprise “WAN” market is in a period of upheaval, and periods of great change create opportunity for those that are willing to move out of their comfort zone. This particular opportunity may be telecom’s first and best opportunity to break the chains of what many refer to as the “dumb pipe”.

This research note is one of a pair of related analyses. In the first, we explored why and how this $101B incremental opportunity differs fundamentally from the needs that enterprises have traditionally looked to their CSPs partners to provide. This second analysis spells out our prescription – across product, solution and operations – for CSPs to maximize their chances of success in this new market, defined in terms of market share, revenues, and margins.

This analysis will be of interest to product managers in telecom operators, strategists and architects looking to plan the route to growth with their enterprise customers.

, , , , , January 10, 20239future-reports security module enterprise-networks operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle topic report-type
5G - After the Technology Hype Fades - Preparing for Profitability

Industry stakeholders are still largely talking a technical vision of 5G. 5G must be economically proved, particularly in delivering value beyond connectivity. The report looks at the key factors in enabling 5G economic success, particularly the benefits of automation.

The report examines the current state of 5G, its current level of maturity, looking at the proposed 5G use cases, the economics of 5G, and the business opportunities from 5G.

, , , , , , , , , February 19, 2019385g module operator-strategies iot market-outlook cisco ericsson technology nokia vodafone topic report-type vendor
5G Converged Charging Systems

The ability to charge for various forms of network consumption has always been fundamental to telecom operators. But with 5G, the foundations of how charging works are completely transformed.

In this 5-page Research Note, we explain the path to 5G charging, and what operators and their vendor partners must now consider in strategies for monetizing their 5G investments.

Existing subscribers can access free by logging in to our Digital Enablement or Operator Strategies & Vision research modules. 

For more information on our research modules click here

, , February 24, 20235promoted-reports digital-enablement research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
5G Primer - After the Technology Hype Fades - Preparing for Profitability

Primer that examines the current state of 5G, its current level of maturity, looking at the proposed 5G use cases, the economics of 5G, and the business opportunities from 5G.

, , , , , February 19, 2019125g module operator-strategies research-note iot technology topic report-type
A New Generation in Inventory Management

Inventory Management is one of telecom’s perennial challenges. Dynamic, virtualized networks and cloud change the nature of the problem – and so create the need for a new generation of inventory management.

This Appledore paper is free to download, courtesy of ServiceNow. Registration details will not be shared. 

, , , , , November 10, 202215servicenow module observability-data-mgt white-paper closed-loop-automation inventory vendor report-type topic
A Path to Telco Cloud Orchestration

The application of orchestration concepts to a telecom context may seem to require a substantial investment in R&D. In fact, there are many aspects of telecom orchestration which build on a telco software ISV’s established strengths. This research note calls out how the somewhat amorphous definition of telco cloud permits participation of multiple specialist vendors, large and small. We use our perspective on how VMware’s portfolio has evolved to illustrate one path – among many – to telco cloud orchestration and automation.

This Research Note is available free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration module.

, , , , July 13, 20236promoted-reports automation-orchestration operator-strategies research-note vmware report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Accedian Skylight

In this profile we look at how Accedian is building an active assurance capability, aligned with modern cloud native networks. Appledore Research were briefed on Accedian in Barcelona at MWC 2022 and as part of our work on the IBM Cloud Pak and Cisco Crosswork Solution Profile.

“Accedian are aiming to move testing beyond troubleshooting, to become an active continuous part of network services” 

Active assurance provides a powerful technique to understand the status and performance of the network. It simulates a network flow using active agents across one or many link paths measuring latency, delay, and throughput for the data session. This provides the performance metrics necessary to confirm a consistent service level and to provide a high degree of confidence on actual data plane traffic performance. This technique is superior to older performance monitoring systems that poll, collect, and infer network performance characteristics. It is also essential to manage and monitor complex services such as network slicing that deliver customized service quality tunnels to individual users and applications.

, , , , , June 1, 2022125g analytics module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles cisco topic report-type vendor
Accenture, TIP Academy, Open RAN

The Telecom Infra Project has commissioned Accenture to deliver its program of industry education, and address the skills shortage in open and disaggregated networks. With systems integration one of the key concerns of operators considering the option of open/disaggregated networks, we think this relationship could be a significant development in the progress of the open RAN movement.

This research note is available for purchase here, or free to subscribers to our Disaggregation, Open RAN and Ecosystems research module.

Note: Subscription clients can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker, or contact us with any queries. 

, , March 31, 20234module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note report-type
Achieving intent driven networks

In this outlook we profile 10 market leading suppliers in the journey toward intent based networks.

“If you don’t implement intent properly, you will constantly lag on automation, cost and agility.  It’s not a technology, it’s an operational necessity.”

Intent is critical because more than half of network opex can be drastically reduced through automation, and IT spend can be curtailed through simplified maintenance; yet this demands well-implemented intent.  Without intent, or with improper intent, these $ billions in savings will not be realized.  Success means a competitive cost structure, and therefore the ability to maintain, and even grow market share.  Failure means an inability to compete effectively with those that truly automate.  And yet, neither network operators nor suppliers have demonstrated a strong appreciation for the importance of intent – exemplified by early “Fat VM” instances of virtualized network functions.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , May 5, 202030huawei module automation-orchestration amdocs market-outlook closed-loop-automation cisco ericsson models-and-reference-data model-driven-definition ibm policy-driven-orchestration microsoft netcracker nokia vendor report-type topic
Affirmed Networks vProbeAffirmed Networks (now part of Microsoft Azure) develops virtualized mobile core solutions. Its Evolved Packet Core (EPC) solution features virtualized instances of 3GPP-compliant Serving GRPS Support Node (SGSN) and Mobile …, , November 14, 2016solution-profiles microsoft rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type vendor topic
AI and Machine Learning Primer

The report is a primer on Machine Learning and AI, and forms a basis for understanding the opportunity in telecom and virtualization. It will form the basis for future research outlining operations, market progress and individual supplier’s advances.

, , , December 21, 201744ai-ops continuous-improvement market-outlook optimization-engine topic report-type
AI Regulation: Implications for Telecom

“There is no precedent for a technology with such potential on jobs, human decision-making, and on regulations designed to protect rights and promote the common good.” – Roman Ferrando

AI is accelerating faster than the ability of governments, companies and individuals to regulate its impacts. Nonetheless, around the world multiple efforts are being made to do just that. In this research note – “Navigating Uncharted Waters”we survey the current state of developments in attempts to foster the most valuable adoptions of AI while applying existing or new legislation to protect everything from intellectual property to national infrastructure. We also explore the implications for telecom operators and suppliers.

This research note is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module. 

, , , September 15, 202310promoted-reports module operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
AI: A Playbook for Telecom CTOs

Amidst the headlines and hype surrounding AI, telco CTOs must figure out how to develop a coherent strategy on it within the telecom context.

In this 6-page Executive Strategy Note, we offer an off-the-shelf playbook for telecom CTOs that addresses the shortcomings that have led to disappointing results, and provides a solid foundation for future success in leveraging potentially transformative set of technologies.

This research note is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module. 

, , , July 31, 20236promoted-reports module operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Amdocs - Policy in MANO

Supplier Profile covering Amdocs’ implementation of policy-driven orchestration in MANO. This accompanies “The role of Policy in the Telco Cloud”

, , March 6, 2016amdocs solution-profiles models-and-reference-data vendor report-type topic
Amdocs "Up Close" Analyst Event 2023

Amdocs’ 2023 analyst event was a two-day immersion into the progress, strategy and mindset of the telecom industry’s pre-eminent BSS vendor. No vendor in the telecom software space can afford to ignore Amdocs’ presence, and anyone who regards them as a competitor only among Tier-1 opportunities is woefully under-informed.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement research module. Existing subscribers can access the report from this link

, , July 10, 20237promoted-reports digital-enablement research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
Amdocs amAIz

Amdocs has been in the forefront of GenAI adoption, determined to leverage its undoubted technical strengths and deep knowledge of telecom business context, data, and processes.

Its amAIz platform offers CSPs a wide range of configurable options and pre-defined use cases for using GenAI to enhance everything from customer bill queries to network design.

In this profile, we look at Amdocs’ GenAI strategy as realized through the amAIz offering.

This research is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance, or Digital Enablement research modules (login required). 

, , , , May 20, 202411promoted-reports aiops-assurance-analytics digital-enablement amdocs solution-profiles report-lifecycle module vendor report-type
Amdocs Catalog

“Catalog was dull!  Amdocs’ aim is to make it exciting; enabling digital transformation”

Amdocs Catalog is a next generation enterprise catalog, providing a unified commerce, charging and service/resource catalog. It provides the catalog platform for all of Amdocs solutions. Amdocs Catalog is built and delivered as cloud-native microservices. It is designed as a stand-alone solution that can federate existing BSS and OSS catalog systems, both from Amdocs and third parties.

, , , , April 27, 202014digital-enablement amdocs customer-partner-interaction solution-profiles catalog-and-composition module vendor topic report-type
Amdocs microservices based digital modernization

This report profiles Amdocs’ micro services based DigitalONE and CatalogONE products and the underlying Microservices360 platform on which they are based.

Note: an updated perspective on Amdocs Microservices360 and microservices strategy is now available here

, , , , January 21, 201922amdocs customer-partner-interaction solution-profiles catalog-and-composition rapid-automated-service-assurance vendor topic report-type
Amdocs Microservices360This updated 22-page in-depth research report on Amdocs Microservices360 offers a comprehensive view of Amdocs’ microservices strategy and its progress in realising it within its Customer Experience and BSS portfolio. …, , , September 6, 202122digital-enablement amdocs solution-profiles technology module vendor report-type topic
Amdocs Mycom OSI deal off

Amdocs announced on May 24, 2022, that it planned to acquire MYCOM OSI a private supplier of service assurance solutions for $188 Million in an all-cash deal. In mid-December Amdocs publicly stated that the deal was officially off the table due to regulatory approvals in the United Kingdom.

, , , January 17, 20236module aiops-assurance-analytics research-note amdocs report-type vendor
Amdocs Network Cloud Service OrchestratorAmdocs provides a dedicated VNF Manager (Amdocs Network Control Manager) for Amdocs network control VNFs, including vPCRF. Catalog Policy Driven approach linking the network to the business. Leader in PCRF …, , March 22, 201612amdocs solution-profiles policy-driven-orchestration vendor report-type topic
Amdocs Network Inventory

Amdocs has a strong and long pedigree in the inventory management market. This 10-page profile examines the company’s offering, notable customers, and provides our own SWOT analysis, based on criteria from our wider inventory market outlook report.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s Observability and Data Management research module.

, , , , January 17, 202310network-data-management observability-data-mgt report-type amdocs solution-profiles topic module vendor
Amdocs Networks

Amdocs has spent 18 months thinking about how to apply its tradtiional strengths to telecom networks themselves. The result is no mere rebadging exercise. In this Research Note, we summarize the essential information about this new entity: Amdocs Networks.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s Observability and Data Management research module.

, , , , , February 22, 20233promoted-reports network-data-management observability-data-mgt research-note report-type amdocs report-lifecycle topic module vendor
Amdocs NFV SD-WAN Management Solution

This document profiles amdocs’ NFV SD-WAN Package Solution, which is amdocs’ Management offering (OSS, Orchestration), in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.   This is one of a series of SD-WAN supplier profiles that Appledore is producing in 2018-2019.

The document looks at amdocs’ SDWAN Management features, positioning, differentiators, and analysis compared to our best practices.

Two version are provided: A “Full” detailed version and a “Short” marketing version.

, , , , , January 31, 201922module enterprise-networks amdocs sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles closed-loop-automation vendor topic report-type
Amdocs Open RANThis 14-page in-depth research report offers a comprehensive view of Amdocs’ offerings in Open RAN. This research is likely to be of most relevance to mobile communications service providers (CSPs) …, , , , March 29, 202114open-ran module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem amdocs solution-profiles topic vendor report-type
Amdocs Policy and Charging Control Solution for “Policy in the Telco Cloud”In the area of service and network monetization, Amdocs is evolving its Charging and Policy (PCRF) assets to allow for more agile plan creation and to support more flexible services …, , March 22, 201617amdocs solution-profiles policy-driven-orchestration vendor report-type topic
Amdocs-Microsoft Partnership

“A shot across the bow of Salesforce’s telco empire” – John Abraham

In February 2023, with MWC as a backdrop, Amdocs and Microsoft announced an expanded strategic collaboration. While some aspects of the announcement reflect wider industry trends towards the cloud, one aspect stands out as having the potential to impact the competitive market landscape in a much more direct way.

In this 5-page research note, John Abraham unpacks the latest Amdocs-Microsoft announcement, puts it in context of B2B customer engagement more generally, and looks ahead to what this means for CSPs and vendors in the BSS sector.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement research module.

Note: Existing subscribers can access the report from the Research Notes subfolder in their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , March 21, 20235promoted-reports digital-enablement research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
Anritsu eoMind

This profile focuses on Anritsu’s Service Assurance portfolio. We concentrate on eoMind, Anritsu’s portfolio-leading AI Subscriber-led Anomaly Detection. We assess its market progress and investigate specific use cases that leverage their machine learning and classification modeling to drive efficiency and automation in network operations.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module.

, , , , January 23, 202310analytics network-data-management aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles topic module
Application QoE in the Cloud Era

The rise in streaming video, gaming, and application data is pushing CSPs to invest in more capacity, spend which isn’t recuperated by current business models and unlimited bandwidth pricing plans. Encryption, QUIC, and other multiplexed transport protocols obscure service providers’ visibility into the traffic on their networks. To obtain network visibility utilized in customer experience and to determine network upgrades and capacity expansion, CSPs need innovative approaches to test and ensure services.

This white paper looks at the growing need for better observability and insights from the vast amounts of data flowing through networks. It also explores how this can be achieved in practices, with great contextual understanding of the subscriber, services, applications and usage types, devices, location, and access networks, based on high quality data capture.

We argue that this requires a progression beyond traditional service assurance, or application performance monitoring, and toward deep performance monitoring and analysis that supports automation in the network.

In that context, we look at how one company, Sandvine, is responding to this fast-emerging requirement and opportunity.

This report is free to download, courtesy of Sandvine. Details used for download will *not* be shared outside of Appledore Research. 

Subscribers to our AIOps & Analytics research module can access this report directly in the AIOps folder in their Digital Locker

, , , , , , , , , , , April 5, 20237sandvine 5g edge-cloud ai-ops analytics promoted-reports open-ran network-data-management observability module aiops-assurance-analytics white-paper vendor topic report-lifecycle report-type
Applying Real-Time Analytics in the Virtualized Mobile Core Network

This paper looks at the changing technology, challenges and opportunities to perform data analytics in virtualized networks, and specifically looks at the case of the mobile EPC.

, , , March 22, 201613analytics white-paper microsoft rapid-automated-service-assurance topic report-type vendor
Aria Networks

This document profiles Aria Networks in the context of Appledore Research Group’s framework report “The Role of Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks”.  It provides an in-depth look at Aria Networks’ products, and compares them to ARG’s best practices and Management Taxonomy.

, , November 3, 2016aria-networks solution-profiles optimization-engine vendor report-type topic
Aria Systems: Flexible SaaS-based Billing for Telcos

Aria Systems is a highly regarded provider of SaaS-based billing solutions for CSPs. Aria’s core platform offering was designed to support specific CSP requirements for billing. It has since broadened its scope of offerings and has built a large customer base for its SaaS-based billing solutions for telcos and enterprise customers.

Principal Analyst John Abraham provides an overview of Aria Systems and discusses the company’s portfolio and partner strategy.

This research is part of our Digital Enablement research module. Current subscribers can access the report here

, , August 25, 202312promoted-reports digital-enablement solution-profiles report-lifecycle module report-type
Arrcus ArcOS and ACE

The network infrastructure market is ripe for disruption, starting from the edge in. And with the rise of intelligent edge networking, Arrcus has quickly established itself as a company to watch in this space.

In this profile we assess Arrcus’ proposition and opportunity, and why we think it has significant potential to disrupt the networking market.

This report is available free for subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance, or Enterprise Edge & Private Networks research (login required). 

, , , , March 19, 202410promoted-reports aiops-assurance-analytics enterprise-networks report-type solution-profiles report-lifecycle module
Assuring Dynamic Services In The Hybrid Virtualized NetworkThis paper looks at the dramatic impact of virtualization, and of cross-domain services, on service assurance.  In particular it identifies the failings of existing methods, illustrates future necessary best practices, …, February 22, 201715white-paper rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type topic
Assuring Service Quality in the Cloud and 5G Era

The paper evaluates an ideal service assurance solution architecture for operations in the cloud and 5G era and a comprehensive method for proactively pre-testing throughout full lifecycle management. The outcome of this approach will yield lower operational cost in different deployment models.

, , , , , , , , November 17, 202116ai-ops analytics premium-reports promoted-reports juniper-vendor module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type white-paper topic report-lifecycle vendor
AT&T's RAN Swapout

An assessment of the biggest Open RAN commitment to date – and the implications for aspiring open RAN vendors, large and small.

This research is free to subscribers to our Open RAN & Disaggregated Networks or Operator Strategies & Vision research modules (login required). 

, , , December 6, 20237promoted-reports disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
AtlasEdge

AtlasEdge is a new name in a new market: edge data centers. These fill the gap between vast centralized data centers and purely private edge facilities, effectively becoming a neutral host for open RAN, or supporting a range of other enterprise-focused edge use cases.

Already well-funded and with sizeable infrastructure in place, this joint venture between Liberty Global and DigitalBridge provides more evidence of the fundamental change and new opportunities in the telecom market arising from cloud computing.

Published as part of our Enterprise Edge and Private Networks research module. 

, , , August 21, 20239promoted-reports enterprise-networks report-type solution-profiles report-lifecycle module
Automated, Managed Security Market Forecast

Foundational changes are demanding new WAN networking realities and creating opportunity for CSPs.  The rise of public cloud; the rise of work-at-home, the rise of digital services and business, the importance of digital supply chain collaboration. Additionally, both the sophistication of and the consequences of security threats are vastly greater.

The net result is that enterprises are demanding end-to-end solutions, and telecom CSPs are best positioned to deliver those. In this forecast, we predict not only significant growth in the market for automated, managed security (rising to $17.6B in 2027) but also significant growth in CSPs’ share of that market – conditional on them raising their own game in automation.

We believe that success in security demands that CSPs provide it as an automated, managed service bundled with underlay and overlay transport.  We also believe that an effective, automated security offer drives additional transport segments – worth even more than the security itself.  This is a must-win market, and due to complexity, manual methods are not sufficient.

Our forecast looks at managed services for automated security across all six segments:

  • Managed SDWAN
  • Security Orchestration
  • Next Gen Firewalls as-a-Service
  • Native Cloud Security as-a-Service
  • DDoS Protection & Mitigation as-a-Service
  • Automated XDR as-a-Service

This forecast will be of particular interest to CSPs selling to enterprises, suppliers enabling CSPs with their enterprise growth plans.

Appledore top tier subscribers can access the report immediately in their Digital Lockers under Market Outlooks. For other inquiries please use the link below. 

, , , , , , June 8, 202231promoted-reports security module automation-orchestration enterprise-networks report-type global-forecast report-lifecycle topic
Automating Security

This landmark report provides a high level forecast and detailed analysis of a major new multi-billion dollar revenue opportunity for telecom in enterprise, network and cloud security. Across over 50 pages, Principal Analyst Grant Lenahan dissects the state of security, and explains why automation of security offers such a critical new growth vector, in particular for CSPs – though with important qualifiers: the telecom industry must think differently and build automation into the core of new service thinking.

The report outlines the many places automation must be applied, reducing the ambiguity in the term, and offers examples of where the industry is moving in this direction. The revenue opportunity is quantified with a breakdown into delivery component segments. We offers recommendations for success, to minimize complexity and cost, and to maximize market gains.

CSPs profiled include BT, Lumen, ngena and Spirent. Vendors profiles include Akamai, Ciena, Ericsson, IBM, Nokia and VMware.

While extremely valuable as a standalone resource, Automating Security develops themes and industry trends explored in our earlier Security in the Network Cloud. Scroll down to read the full Table of Contents.

Appledore top tier subscribers can access the report immediately in their Digital Lockers under Market Outlooks. For other inquiries please use the link below. 

, , , , , November 11, 202156promoted-reports security module automation-orchestration report-type market-outlook report-lifecycle topic
Automation and Data Accuracy

Data inaccuracy is inevitable, the real challenge is how we minimize its effect.

This market outlook looks at data accuracy management and the management of network decision-making that needs to be a fundamental foundation of automated and autonomous networks. It explores the issues of inventory accuracy in modern networks, and how decision data management needs to become an increasingly important part of a telco’s business processes. To support automation, inventory solutions will need to measure and monitor data accuracy and business decisions based on this data. Inventory solutions will increasingly need a decision inventory that models and measures the success of decision-making, enabling the prioritization of processes which can improve data accuracy and the success of automated decision-making.

The report introduces a new concept, the business “decision-making” inventory. An inventory of business decision-making success and failure. As a new concept, it is difficult to estimate market size. Appledore believes its importance, in enabling automation and autonomy, makes it more valuable than existing inventory solutions, a market we estimate as worth $90 million in 2023 growing to $175 million in 2027.

The report will be useful to CSP decision-makers who are looking to deliver new high-value, on-demand services with increasing amounts of automation to deliver these services cost-effectively. The report provides a framework for managing trust in automated decision-making and the data on which it is based. CSP should actively create a data accuracy and decision-making framework for all parts of the network where they want to deliver new on-demand services.

The report will be useful to inventory vendors and operational orchestration vendors with an interest in enabling their CSP customers to use their solutions to deliver widespread automation. Inventory and orchestration vendors should actively work with CSPs to trial and prototype enhanced data accuracy management and the monitoring of key process decision-making.

With a focus on wider business decision-making, we expect inventory suppliers with a multiple network and operational domain footprint to have a significant opportunity here. For example, vendors with a BSS/OSS footprint like Amdocs and Netcracker and vendors with an OSS and network technology domain footprint, like Nokia and Ciena Blue Planet. New inventory entrants like ServiceNow, with a strong process management background, will also have an opportunity here.

This research is available to subscribers to our Observability & Data Management module. 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , , April 17, 202316network-data-management observability observability-data-mgt market-outlook inventory topic module report-type
Automation in the Cloud Native Hybrid Network

This paper investigates the end-to-end challenges to automation, and suggests OSS and process methods that will lead to higher levels of automation.

, , February 21, 201818white-paper closed-loop-automation ibm report-type topic vendor
Automation Pays Off at Vodafone

Vodafone Group’s report of EUR500m in savings certainly made headlines, even if it left some questions unanswered. But is their means of achieving it a solution for the industry as a whole? And if not – what can other, smaller telcos hope to achieve, and how?

In this Research Note Grant Lenahan puts Vodafone’s undoubted achievement into context, asking: what does this mean for everyone else?

This Research Note is available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration module, and Operator Strategy & Vision module. 

, , , , February 22, 20232promoted-reports automation-orchestration operator-strategies continuous-improvement research-note report-lifecycle module topic report-type
Autonomous Networks

The pursuit of autonomous networks (AN) in the telecommunications industry has eluded even the most ambitious operators up to now. However, the journey is being helped by industry collaborations, and in particular the work of TM Forum, together with vendor and operator partners, with notable real world results already achieved.

In this research note, we highlight:

Independently produced by Appledore analysts, the research note is free to download, courtesy of Huawei. Download details will only be used for delivery, not shared with any third party. 

, , , December 6, 20226huawei module automation-orchestration research-note vendor report-type
Autonomous Networks: Thinking Differently

The pursuit of autonomous networks (AN) in telecom has advanced rapidly in the last few years, with growing numbers of operators leveraging industry learnings, concepts and designs to take a step up in their autonomy journey.

In this in-depth 20-page whitepaper, we look at:

  • How concepts from the TM Forum and elsewhere are helping operators to see network autonomy as an achievable objective.
  • How two operators – AIS Thailand and China Mobile are progressing towards autonomous networks
  • How one vendor, Huawei, is supporting industry efforts to make autonomous networks a reality.
  • Recommendations for Telecom executives looking to obtain the benefits of autonomous networks.

Scroll down to see the full table of contents.

Independently produced by Appledore analysts, the research note is free to download, courtesy of Huawei. Download details will only be used for delivery, not shared with any third party. 

, , , , October 9, 202320huawei module automation-orchestration operator-strategies white-paper vendor report-type
AwareX

The trouble with telcos’ digital transformations is that they seem to take too long, cost too much, and can get bogged down in gnarly integration issues.

AwareX believes it has an alternative: a way to avoid the typical issues, and actually accelerate a digital transformation. Given the company’s pedigree – and market progress – it’s a claim well worth exploring.

In this independent report, we look at AwareX’s proposition, offering, market position and prospects. Essential reading for any operator with a transformation or digital experience agenda.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement research module (login required). 

 

, , May 15, 20247promoted-reports digital-enablement solution-profiles report-lifecycle module report-type
AWS Bedrock - Generative AI in Telecom

AWS is a top tier cloud supplier in the market and rapidly expanding its influence in the AI/ML market. It has more than 100,000 customers using AWS leveraging machine learning and increasingly Generative AI. A key initiative for AWS is to remove the barriers to entry for its customers in realizing better, faster, and cheaper outcomes because of advances in LLMs and more broadly machine learning techniques commercialized by AWS.

In this report we profile AWS overall GenAI offering strategy with a specific focus on Bedrock, now a central tool in the AWS AI offering, generally available since September 2023. We highlight key differences compared to its main rival, OpenAI.

We look at the market impact so far of AWS in telecom with GenAI, and provide a SWOT analysis.

Finally we make recommendations for CSPs exploring the potential of GenAI both for internal and external use.

This research is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Assurance and Analytics research module. Existing customers can access the research here (login required). 

 

, , , January 4, 20249ai-ops module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles topic report-type
Benchmarking Telco-as-a-Platform

In 2021, in Telco as a Platform (TaaP) Appledore looked at the opportunities for growth from the disaggregation of telecom networks. We introduced a set of guiding principles that operators can adopt to help accelerate service creation and generate consistent new revenue streams.

By adopting Appledore’s criteria and regularly evaluating progress, CSPs can accelerate their efforts of becoming the cloud and communications providers of choice in their markets.

Starting in Q4 2022, Appledore will interview operators representing the global CSP market (and their platform vendors) to establish a looking to benchmark CSP and vendor progress in achieving Telco as a Platform goals and sharing platform success stories with an annual Telco as a Platform Report Card. This Research Note explains the evaluation process and gives interested parties a way to participate in this research.

, , , September 16, 20228module operator-strategies other-reports research-note report-type
Beyond OSS

OSS needs to change. It’s time for network operators to hit the productivity gym!

In this white paper we describe a modern, service-oriented management infrastructure, and specifically measure the Blue Planet Intelligent Automation portfolio and long-stated vision, against our documented recommendations for the future of OSS.

Much is at stake:

  • we estimate that automation can reduce the cost of many network operations by 95-99%;
  • that service demand intervals can fall by a similar percentage (weeks to minutes);
  • that by the latter half of this decade, the industry will be spending between $11B and $27B (median: $18B) annually on software to yield this automation.
  • many services are under competitive threat from public cloud vendors who have adopted these Sea Changes as part of their DNA and operate with a very low-cost structure.
, , , , , , , , August 4, 202014module operator-strategies ciena white-paper closed-loop-automation inventory model-driven-definition policy-driven-orchestration rapid-automated-service-assurance vendor report-type topic
Beyond x86: Strategies of Leading Specialty Silicon Suppliers

In a previous report we looked at the growing need for and use of speciality silicon in telecom. This companion report brings together perspectives on many of the leading players in the speciality silicon for telecom market, so that telco buyers and potential partners for these firms can better understand the range of propositions on offer.

  • Who are the leading players?
  • Where are they focusing their product lines and R&D effort?
  • What are the different telco use cases that call for different kinds of specialty silicon?
  • Who plays where?
  • What are the implications for operators in particular of choosing (or not choosing) speciality silicon over an “x86-everywhere” strategy?

This comprehensive, independent report explains how this market is evolving, and profiles many most notable players, including: AMD, Arm, Broadcom, Cisco, Dell, HPE, Intel, IBM, Juniper, Marvell, Nokia, Nvidia, Qualcomm and Spirent. A dedicated section explores how cloud providers participate in this ecosystem: Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, IBM Cloud. 

Scroll down for the full table of contents.

This research is free to subscribers to our Disaggregation, Open RAN and Ecosystems research module (login required), or can be purchased below. 

, , August 6, 202439promoted-reports disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem market-outlook report-lifecycle module report-type
Beyond x86: The Evolution of Specialty Silicon in Telecom

The attempt to realize the dream of virtualized telecom traces back to a seminal NFV 2012 whitepaper. But the vision of a ubiquitous layer of commodity compute has clearly not panned out as imagined. Rather, the demands from telecom for specialized silicon have increased, rather than reduced – and the market continues to evolve.

In this comprehensive Market Outlook, Grant Lenahan explains the five distinct market segments for speciality silicon in telecom that exist today, their primary use cases, driving factors, leading vendors, and future trajectories. The report also highlights where innovation and growth opportunities exist for the many vendors now competing for space in this complex and technically challenging market.

Characteristically in-depth and wide-ranging, this report also looks at the implications for automation and testing.

Vendors referenced include: AMD, Arm, Arrcus, AWS, Azure, Broadcom, Ciena, Dell, DriveNets, Ericsson, Google Cloud, Huawei, Intel, Juniper, Marvell, Nvidia, Nokia, NTT, Qualcomm, Red HatRakuten, VMware and Wind River among others.

Scroll down for the full Table of Contents. 

Free access for current subscribers to the following research modules:

  • Open, Disaggregated Networks & Ecosystems (access it here),
  • Automation & Orchestration research (click here)

Non-subscribers can purchase the report below. 

, , , , , October 31, 202333promoted-reports automation-orchestration disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem premium-reports report-type market-outlook report-lifecycle module
BT SDWAN

This document profiles BT’s SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.

, , , , October 23, 201822sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles cisco microsoft nokia topic report-type vendor
CAMARA

CAMARA (the Greek word for “roof”) is a new and fast-growing industry alliance dedicated to establishing standardised set of telecom APIs.

In this research note we put CAMARA’s mission into context, and offer a view on its chances of succeeding, given the history of API initiatives in telecom.

Essential reading for anyone with an interest in telecom-as-a-platform, telco APIs, industry vertical solutions and 5G monetization.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement and Operator Strategy & Vision research modules. Subscription clients can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to access your locker.

For any enquiries, contact sales@appledorerg.com

, February 21, 20235digital-enablement research-note module report-type
Cat and Mouse with DDoS

Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS) have been a tremendously lucrative activity for bad actors – and therefore has become a major segment unto itself, with the ability to create havoc and significant cost not only for the attack victim (typically an enterprise or government agency) but also for the serving network.

This research note combines a look at two developments; the technological evolution of DDoS, and the corresponding and resulting evolution of the Nokia Deepfield Defender DDoS security solution, rooted in their Deepfield network analytics solution, and the Nokia FPx series of fully programmable router chips.

This research note is available free on subscription to our Automation & Orchestration research module (login required), or as a free download courtesy of Nokia, here

, , , July 24, 20247premium-reports research-note report-type nokia report-lifecycle vendor
Cellium EdgeAir

Appledore have identified network coverage and new business models as key to telco innovation success (see our  Reinventing Telco – Innovating beyond technology report) nowhere is this more apparent than in delivering CSP connectivity within existing buildings.  The future of telco will also increasingly be built on disaggregated solutions (see our Disaggregation for Growth: Telco as a Platform report). We see neutral-host players enabling better and ubiquitous in-building coverage, quickly.

Tel Aviv-based startup Cellium is an enabler of this future, allowing building and venue owners to become neutral hosts with their EdgeAir products providing indoor access to LTE, 5G, Wifi and IoT networks, at a fraction of the cost of conventional distributed antenna systems (DAS).It also provides a compelling proposition to CSPs to deliver their connectivity, partnering with building owners to deliver ubiquitous coverage at a low price point.

We profile the company and its solution as part of our Operator Strategies & Vision research module.

, August 9, 20238operator-strategies solution-profiles module report-type
CENX Active Assurance SoftwareThis solution profile is focused on CENX’s software as applied to ARG’s research into closed-loop automation, in this case specifically active assurance and healing within MANO. It should be read …, , April 28, 201712solution-profiles ericsson rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type vendor topic
CES 2024: AI Everywhere and EV Platforms

Patrick Kelly returned to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024. Should CES be on your radar for 2025? That depends…

For purchase here, or free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research (login required). 

, , January 12, 20246promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
CES2023 Post Show Report

CES – the Consumer Electronics Show – has been around since 1967. What did the 2023 event have that the telecom industry needs to note? Or was it all just VR headsets and TVs? Patrick Kelly offers highlights.

You can also listen to Patrick’s takeaways from CES2023 in the Appledore podcast. 

, , , , January 13, 20234module aiops-assurance-analytics enterprise-networks digital-enablement research-note report-type
Charging Systems for Standalone 5G

5G Standalone represents a fundamental change in many aspects of mobile networks – perhaps nowhere more so than in charging and monetization. In this independently produced white paper, John Abraham explains the new paradigm for charging that 5G SA introduces, and why CSPs must take action now to be able to take advantage of the new flexibility and business value potential that 5G SA offers.

This report is free to download, courtesy of Amdocs, via button below (registration required).

Customers with a subscription to our Digital Enablement research can access related research here

, , , , September 13, 202395g promoted-reports module digital-enablement white-paper topic report-lifecycle report-type
Ciena Blue Planet - Automation

This solution profile is focused on Ciena’s Blue Planet software as it applies to ARG’s research into closed-loop automation, in this case specifically orchestration. It should be read in the context of “The Role of Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks”, ARG 2016.

, , May 8, 201713solution-profiles ciena closed-loop-automation report-type vendor topic
Ciena Blue Planet Automation

This profile analyses the portfolio of Ciena’s Blue Planet division in the context of Appledore’s recommendations on successful closed loop automation.  Ciena Blue Planet’s focus is delivering intelligent automation software and solutions to CSPs and they have taken the important step of separating their software products business from their core optical networking business.

The new Blue Planet division is leading Ciena’s delivery of SDN software management and orchestration for NFV, WAN and Cloud. They are also moving toward intelligent closed loop network orchestration driven by AI/Machine Learning.

Blue Planet has four major software products that support its intelligent automation solution. These provide cross technology and vendor support:

  • Orchestration (both Multi-domain service and NFV-O);
  • Inventory
  • Analytics
  • Route optimization and Assurance (ROA) targeted at cross layer IP and optical network management and optimisation.
, , , , , , , October 7, 201924module automation-orchestration solution-profiles ciena inventory model-driven-definition policy-driven-orchestration rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type vendor topic
Ciena MCP Becomes Navigator NCS

Ciena’s rebrand of its IP and Optical domain controller is much more than just a new name for MCP: it’s part of a jump to intelligent, autonomous networks and overarching platforms.

This research report is free to view, courtesy of Ciena. Current Appledore subscribers can also access the report directly (no download) in our Automation & Orchestration research module (login required). 

, , February 28, 20246automation-orchestration research-note ciena module report-type vendor
Ciena/Blue Planet Transport Automation

Ciena is arguably the leading optical supplier globally, and is a rising force in IP and PON access. Together with its Blue Planet division, it has a comprehensive portfolio for transport domain automation.

In this in-depth profile, we assess the extent to which this portfolio adopts the principles of modern automation solutions, including intent, closed-loop automation, as well as its market impact.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research (login required). 

, , June 14, 202313automation-orchestration solution-profiles ciena module report-type vendor
Cisco Acquires Accedian

“Cisco will gain a valuable technology capable of sub-second sensor processing combined with distributed network visibility” – Patrick Kelly

Cisco’s acquisition of Accedian was hardly unexpected, but it nonetheless enhances Cisco’s proposition for telecom service providers. It also evidences a significant pivot in the assurance market.

In this research note we look in detail at what Cisco gets from the acquisition, and how this market is evolving.

This research is available for one-off purchase below, or free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module. Existing subscribers can access the report in their digital locker here.

, , , , , July 11, 202335g analytics module aiops-assurance-analytics research-note cisco topic report-type vendor
Cisco Acquires Splunk

Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk was the company’s largest ever, by a wide margin. Why did Cisco reckon that Splunk was worth the 31% premium? And how does Splunk fit within Cisco’s remarkable string of software acquisitions?

In this research note we look at the trends that are driving such a high valuation, and how Cisco is continuing to execute on its strategy to become a software giant.

This research is available for one-off purchase below.

Existing subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance or Observability and Data Management research module can access the report here (or here).

, , , , , October 6, 202375g analytics module aiops-assurance-analytics research-note cisco topic report-type vendor
Cisco Crosswork Hierarchical Controller - Benefits Analysis

Communication Service Providers (CSPs) are demanding lowered CAPEX spend on networks, lowered OPEX spend on running and maintaining their networks and improved customer experience from their networks. The whitepaper is aimed at senior decision makers within a CSP. It looks at how Cisco Crosswork Hierarchical Controller can automate the management of IP/Optical transport networks delivering quantitative benefits for all operators, be they mobile, fixed broadband or enterprise focused.

This report is FREE to download, courtesy of Cisco. However, your registration details will not be shared.

, , , , , , , October 18, 2021255g promoted-reports module automation-orchestration continuous-improvement white-paper cisco technology topic report-lifecycle report-type vendor
Cisco NSO - AutomationThis solution profile is focused on Cisco’s NSO in conjunction with Cisco’s ESC – Elastic Services Controller as applied to ARG’s research into closed-loop automation, in this case specifically MANO …, , April 28, 201711solution-profiles cisco policy-driven-orchestration report-type vendor topic
Cisco Policy for the Telco CloudCisco is moving well beyond its traditional position as a router and hardware vendor, to provide forward looking solutions to define (model, store logic and data), instantiate, monitor and manage …, , , March 22, 201620telco-cloud solution-profiles cisco model-driven-definition topic report-type vendor
Closed Loop Automation and the New Role of Assurance

(Major) Research Note discussing best practices for closed-loop automation in virtualized networks, with significant learning from control theory.  Emphasis on the new role of assurance and analytics, and how they integrate with a common orchestration method that is also used for fulfillment.  This paper ties together concepts from several ARG research streams.

, , , September 29, 2016research-note closed-loop-automation rapid-automated-service-assurance nokia report-type topic vendor
Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks

Framework research on the topic of closed-loop automation in virtualized networks.  In this we learn from adjacent industries, control theory and derive best practices to simplify the journey to successful automation and reduce risks.

, , , , October 25, 2016market-outlook closed-loop-automation model-driven-definition policy-driven-orchestration rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type topic
Cloud Native in Telecom

Telecom may be virtualizing, but we are far from cloud -native and from achieving its operational promise.   An extensive primary-research effort looking at best practices and candid industry opinion from across leading CSPs, NEPs, disrupters and web-scale players. We begin with first principles, look at current practice, industry objectives, gaps and recommendations for success.

, , , May 7, 2018129market-outlook closed-loop-automation models-and-reference-data model-driven-definition report-type topic
Cloudsmith - Securing the software supply chain

Even when the traditional vendors continue to deliver integrated solutions, such as Cloud RAN or Cloud Core, these solutions increasingly rely on a diverse set of underlying software libraries, many of which are increasingly based on open source software. Vendors and suppliers will both want visibility and security of this supply chain.

Cloudsmith is gaining increased traction in many cloud development environments. Appledores believe that solutions like Cloudsmith will become increasingly important in telecoms in both CSPs and within their vendors.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module (current subscription and login required). 

, , , , , , , , August 6, 202410edge-cloud promoted-reports telco-cloud distributed-cloud-infra small-companies cicdct report-type solution-profiles technology topic report-lifecycle module vendor
Cohere Technologies Universal Spectrum Multiplier

The huge sums paid for operators for spectrum licenses demonstrate just how critical an asset it is for telcos. But once auctions are done, what options do operators have when they find their spectrum gets congested?

Cohere Technologies has developed a remarkable breakthrough that uses software to effectively multiply the available spectrum for cell sites, which can translate to cost savings running into the billions of dollars. In this profile, we explore the nature of Cohere’s innovation, and the potential value to operators.

This profile is available free to subscribers to our Open & Disaggregated Networks research. Authorized users can log in to view it here

, , , , February 20, 202410promoted-reports module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem report-type solution-profiles report-lifecycle
Covid 19 - Its impact on the telecommunications industry

“Covid-19 has induced global economic shock that will fundamentally change business activity and accelerate technology deployments at the edge of the network”

Covid-19 has massively disrupted businesses in a short period of time. In this market outlook we attempt to set the scene for how the disruption from Covid 19 will impact telecoms. We recognize that at this time everybody’s focus should be on keeping healthy, acting on clear factual information and ensuring that we have the basics of life. Telecoms will, for now, be a key enabler/foundation for all three of these. However, in the long term the current emergency is both a challenge and an opportunity to our industry. Our intent in producing this paper is to allow us to rise to the challenges and to maximize the opportunities

, , April 2, 2020205g edge-cloud market-outlook topic report-type
Critical Advances in Orchestration for Agility and Automation

This framework report documents the state of the art in orchestration – MANO and beyond — as of 2017. It surveys best practices in four critical areas, and the state of the art in implementation, looking across a wide range of CSPs and suppliers. It is part 1 of a two-part series.

, July 25, 2017119market-outlook closed-loop-automation report-type topic
CROSS Network Intelligence: Active Integrated Inventory

CROSS Network Intelligence is a 10-year old supplier of telecom network inventory and automation solutions, based in the Czech Republic and with a notable set of customers across EMEA. This profile looks at their modern offering and their approach to solving the problem of incomplete inventory data.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Network Data Management and Observability research module, and is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on the inventory management market.

Note: Existing subscribers can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , March 27, 202310module observability-data-mgt solution-profiles report-type
Cross-Domain Service Orchestration: An Industry Reference Guide

Discussion of service orchestration in telecom can be complicated by lack of clear terminology, mis-use of terms, and muddled vendor positioning.

In this Research Note, Grant Lenahan provides a clear explanation of cross-domain (or end-to-end) service orchestration, from basic concepts to the role of solutions and specialists within an overall autonomous networks architecture.

This Research Note is available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration module, and Operator Strategy & Vision module. 

, , , May 10, 20238promoted-reports automation-orchestration operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
Crossing the Network Autonomy Chasm

By some accounts, the journey towards autonomous networks is well under way, a steady progression now boosted by cloud and the latest AI technologies. But while there is no doubting the increasing aspiration, many in the industry privately admit slow progress, and frustration. Why?

In this insightful 6-page research note, Francis Haysom highlights the existence of a chasm on the road to autonomous networks, and argues that only by understanding it can operators and their vendor partners make the fundamental but necessary changes required to cross it.

See also the follow-on report, on Measuring the Network Autonomy Chasm.

This research is free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

, , May 1, 20246promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
CSG: Rise of a telco BSS heavyweight

Through a combination of organic growth and judicious acquisitions, CSG has quietly yet steadily built up a substantial telecom software market presence and solution portfolio that spans the telco front- and back-office. It is also among the pioneers in adopting GenAI in a range of commercial and customer-facing scenarios.

In an in-depth 12-page profile, we look at the company’s progress, market impact, key partnerships and overall strategy as it aims to become a leader in a new generation of BSS and Digital Enablement systems.

The research report is FREE to download, courtesy of CSG. 

, , July 23, 202412digital-enablement csg solution-profiles module vendor report-type
Data-Driven Telecom

“At the heart of this new operating model is data”

In recent years, three agents have accelerated the pace of change: mass-market broadband, cloud computing and the smartphone. These three have completely transformed how customers define their experience – and their expectations. While each continues to advance on their own terms with ever-greater speed, reach and capabilities, their combination creates a completely new operating model for telecom. This new operating model creates new demands on how telecom relies on – and what it looks for – in its most critical IT platforms. And at the heart of this new operating model is data. More specifically, the ability to deliver the right data, at the right time, and in the right place.

This new context is highlighting the technical (and commercial) limitations of database platforms selected during an earlier, simpler generation in telecom. For everything that telecom now aspires to be – dynamic, distributed and disaggregated – a new generation of database technology is now needed.

, February 2, 202110observability-data-mgt white-paper module report-type
Deutsche Telekom SDWAN

This document profiles Deutsche Telekom’s SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.

, , , October 22, 201826sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles ngena nokia topic report-type vendor
Digital Collaboration and Ecosystems - Research Note

Summary of ARG’s major research on the market, economics and operations process needs for digital collaboration.

, May 20, 2016market-outlook model-driven-definition report-type topic
Digital Enablement Systems Market Forecast, 2024-2028

This comprehensive market forecast predicts the future growth of the $30Bn-plus Digital Enablement Systems market for software and related services over the period 2024-2028. This includes individual market subsegment forecasts for:

  • Billing Systems
  • Charging Systems
  • Mediation Systems
  • Policy Management Systems
  • Customer Service Engagement Systems
  • Sales Engagement Systems
  • Marketing Engagement Systems

An essential reference for operators or vendors, ISVs and Systems Integrators planning their strategies.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement & Monetization Systems market research. Authorized users can log in to see it here

, , February 23, 202418premium-reports promoted-reports digital-enablement report-lifecycle module
Digital Enablement Systems, Market Share 2022

This comprehensive Market Share report breaks down the Digital Enablement market across its multiple segments and subsegments, including Billing, Charging, and Policy Management, as well as multiple modes of Customer Engagement and other business support functions. Written by John Abraham, a highly respected analyst in this field and Principal Analyst for Appledore, the report is based on extensive research and briefings.

Overall market sizing and vendor share is provided. The 20-page report contains over a dozen charts and short profiles of the most notable vendors, including Amdocs, CSG, Ericsson, Netcracker, Oracle, Salesforce and Totogi. Scroll down to see the full Table of Figures and Contents.

This report is published as part of our Digital Enablement research.

Existing subscribers to that research module can access the report free here (authorized login required). 

, , September 29, 202321promoted-reports digital-enablement market-outlook report-lifecycle module report-type
Digital Enablement Systems: Market Size and Share 2023

The market for digital enablement systems is seeing fresh activity, as a result of telcos’ need to stay relevant to their customers amidst seismic shifts in technology and behavior. At the same time, prioritizing efforts to monetize networks in new ways. The older terminology of business support systems (BSS) is no longer an accurate term to describe CSPs’ responses to today’s pressures and opportunities.

In this Market Share report, we look at what is driving investment in this sector, we size the market for digital enablement systems, and identify the companies who in our view are leading the market overall, and within each segment.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement research module (login required).

, , , September 24, 202420premium-reports promoted-reports digital-enablement market-outlook report-lifecycle module report-type
Digital Twin, , , , , June 18, 2020225g module aiops-assurance-analytics observability-data-mgt other-reports market-outlook topic report-type
Disaggregation for Growth: Telco-as-a-Platform

This report looks at the opportunity from the disaggregation of telecoms networks, using cloud native networks and network applications – what can loosely be characterized as “Telco as a Platform”. Telco as a Platform can provide the foundation for telcos to assemble and build services for a larger ecosystem, based on their core network capabilities. This can be as a value-added supplier of network-based services or as an efficient utility supplier of underlying network services. CSPs should not be ashamed of taking either position, both of which can be highly successful.

The report will be of interest to the COO, VP of business strategy and those tasked with new revenue generation in telcos. It will also be of interest to new telco players in highlighting potential niches for new services and business models. It will be of interest to telco vendors in positioning their services to support disaggregated telcos providing Telco as a Platform.

, , , , July 29, 202136promoted-reports module digital-enablement operator-strategies market-outlook report-lifecycle report-type
Distributed Cloud Infrastructure

Appledore forecasts the DCIM market, excluding virtualization infrastructure, will grow from $1.3bn in 2024 to $1.9bn in 2028.

The reinvention of telecom operators as cloud-based businesses will have profound effects on the wider industry. Not only will it be key to new levels of agility and speed, but it will enable new sources of revenue, new types of customer experience, and new ways to differentiate. But telecom has unique and demanding characteristics that make the realization of a “telco cloud” particularly challenging.

In this comprehensive 30+ page Market Outlook, Appledore looks at the key foundation for this cloud-based future, the distributed cloud infrastructure (DCI). DCI is the foundational layer of Appledore’s NAS taxonomy, on which the cloud network functions will run, and on which the operational processes of the telco will be automated.

The report looks in detail at the market for the DCI management function (DCIM), looking at the typical software stacks that are available to support the cloud-native network. Each stack reflects different design choices that are available to the telco, with design choice needing to be driven by the business requirements of each telco, and potentially each telco use case.

However, telco does have some unique challenges and needs that DCIM needs to address. These are are outlined in this report. The report also looks at the different commercial models for DCI/DCIM support for cloud networks, including Public Cloud, Private Cloud and Hybrid Cloud.

The report will help those in CSPs and their vendor ecosystem, needing to understand the choices available in implementing a Distributed Cloud Infrastructure and its DCIM management capability. Short profiles of notable players in telecom DCIM in the report include: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Rakuten Symphony, Canonical, Red Hat, Wind River, SUSE and VMware. See also Appledore’s previous reports for vendors and operators on the model for success with Telco Cloud: Telco Cloud for Vendors: A Blueprint for Success and Telco Cloud for Operators: A Blueprint for Success

Scroll down to see the full table of contents of this report. 

This report is free for subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management research (login required). 

, , , , , , April 2, 202433premium-reports promoted-reports telco-cloud network-data-management observability distributed-cloud-infra market-outlook report-lifecycle topic module report-type
DSP Leaders 2024: Transformation's Work-in-Progress

Telecom TV’s annual DSP Leaders event brings a higher-than-usual ratio of telecom-operators-to-vendors together to talk frankly about the state of telecom’s transformation.

So, how are we doing?

This report is available free to subscribers to our Strategy & Vision research module (login required). Or get it free from TelecomTV. 

, , July 2, 20249premium-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
DSP Leaders World Forum 2023: Analysis

DSP Leaders gathers senior executives over two days in an interactive format to swap notes on the trajectory of telecom.

Co-hosting CSP execs included BT’s Howard Watson, Vodafone’s Scott Petty, Orange’s Arnaud Vamparys as well as senior execs from Three UK, Telefonica, and Deutsche Telekom. With a subtitle of “Accelerating Telecom Innovation” – did it? Are we?

We had the privilege of participating and offer our takeaways. (This report is an extended version of the blogpost from the conference with additional detail and commentary and recommendations)

Note: Existing subscribers to our “Operator Strategies & Vision” module can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , May 26, 20235promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
DTW 2024: Post-Transformation Telecom

DTW – Digital Transformation World – needs no introduction. The 2024 event, once again in Copenhagen, came around quicker than the normal 12-month cycle, but there was still plenty to take note of, from a NAS and Digital Enablement/BSS perspective.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

Also check out our on-site impressions and discussions on our YouTube channel, Talking Transformation

, , July 2, 20248promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
DTW2022

New venue, new city, new dates – but was it plus ca change at Digital Transformation World 2022?

The TM Forum’s Digital Transformation World – the flagship convention for the telecom software industry for over twenty years – returned to an in-person event after a two-year Covid-enforced gap. Living up to the spirit of its transformation title, it has a new format, time of year and home venue for the next three years: Copenhagen’s Bella Centre.

The move could hardly be more apposite for the telecom software community: a shift away from familiar, yet brutally monolithic and ageing infrastructure: the Acropolis Center in Nice, long overdue substantial overhaul; cosmetic adjustments made over recent years failing to address its real problems.

Impressively, DTW 2022 attracted over 3,000 delegates to Copenhagen. But was it a case of plus ca change? Our Research Note looks at the themes and sentiments from across the event – keynote presentations and at the coal face with vendors and industry peers.

, , , September 27, 20229module operator-strategies other-reports research-note report-type
DTW2023: Time's Up

Takeaways and observations from TM Forum’s Digital Transformation World event in Copenhagen, September 2023.

This report is published under our Operator Strategies & Vision research module. Existing subscribers can access it here.  

, September 29, 202310operator-strategies research-note module report-type
Dynamic Inventory

The changing role of inventory in dynamic, online, virtualized/cloud networks.

This report looks into the role of inventory in dynamic, hybrid and cloud-based networks, and how inventory must be re-structured to facilitate the benefits of virtualization.

, February 22, 2017market-outlook inventory report-type topic
Dynamic Networks, Real-Time Operations And The Need For Active Inventory

This paper lays the groundwork to fully understand the dramatic impact on operations that we believe will result from dynamic, virtualized (and hybrid) networks. It is intended as a faster-to-consume look at the specific topic of active inventory and live topology.

, , April 28, 2017amdocs white-paper inventory vendor report-type topic
eBPF in Telecom

“No strategy for cloud-native, autonomous telecom networks can be complete without a consideration of the part that eBPF will play in telco.” – Francis Haysom

Its name may provide little or no clues as to its importance, but eBPF – extended Berkley Packet Filter – is one of the essential enabling technologies for telecom’s pivot to cloud-native and autonomous networks.

In this 10-page research note, Francis Haysom and Rahul Atri explain why a 10-year old opensource project is becoming quite so vital to the future of telecom networks, and next-gen network operations.

This research note is available free for current subscribers to our Observability & Network Data Management research module (logins required). 

, , January 8, 202410module observability-data-mgt research-note report-type
Edge Cloud- a new CSP business case

This report investigates the business case and the market potential for CSPs to capture some of the growing public cloud market with Edge Cloud (the optimum combination of access network and edge computing). In particular, it looks at the key differentiation that CSPs can achieve in, what is likely to be, a very competitive market.

Public cloud has transformed the IT world; with applications that would have traditionally been managed by an enterprise on-site now being hosted in the cloud. However, some applications cannot be moved to centralized public cloud for reasons of latency, mission criticality and backhaul network capacity/cost. Similarly, many exciting and innovative new use cases are stalled by the limitations of end devices and the latency and communication capacity/costs to the centralized cloud. This is the opportunity for Edge Cloud!

, , , , August 30, 2019165g edge-cloud module enterprise-networks market-outlook topic report-type
Emblasoft

Emblasoft is a private company that has deep technical expertise in actively testing voice, SMS, and data in a mobile network. The company’s size allows it to be nimble to respond to key customer requirements as the market evolves to 5G SA.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module.

, , , January 23, 202310network-data-management aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles topic module
Ericsson Acquires Vonage: Ericsson's Enterprise Surprise

In November 2021, Ericsson surprised the market by announcing its acquisition of Vonage, one of the original disruptors in the business communications market. Appledore looks at what this development means for Ericsson and the wider market, and offers answers to the key questions: why Vonage? Why now? What’s next?

For more on our coverage of Ericsson (including free-to-view content), see here.

, , November 29, 20217research-note report-type ericsson vendor
Ericsson Adaptive Inventory

This profile offers an evaluation of the Ericsson Adaptive Inventory product. Ericsson, with its acquisition of Telcordia Technologies and its Granite inventory, is a long-time player in the inventory space. EAI is its evolved inventory solution to support multi-domain and multi-vendor inventory federation.

This research is available to subscribers to our Observability & Data Management module. 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , , June 1, 202310module observability-data-mgt solution-profiles inventory ericsson report-type topic vendor
Ericsson Dynamic Orchestration

This document profiles Ericsson’s “Dynamic Orchestration” solution, in the context of Appledore Research Group’s  best practices for closed-loop automation, which are derived form our framework report “Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks”.  It is a critical tool for those looking to plan simplicity into our automated future.

, , September 29, 201713solution-profiles ericsson policy-driven-orchestration report-type vendor topic
Ericsson Dynamic Service Manager

This document profiles Ericsson’s Dynamic Service Manager in the context of Appledore Research Group’s framework report ” The Role of Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks”.  It provides an in-depth look at DSM, and compares it to ARG’s best practices and Management Taxonomy.

, , November 3, 2016solution-profiles ericsson policy-driven-orchestration report-type vendor topic
Ericsson Generative AI

Ericsson is one of the three dominant suppliers of mobile infrastructure, software, and services to CSPs worldwide.

The company’s investment in AI has resulted in the launch of a diverse set of products over the past five years. AI and automation continue to be key investment areas for Ericsson. Ericsson recently developed its own generative AI framework, leveraging Large Language Models (LLM) that are fine-tuned and optimized for the telecom domain.

This independent profile assesses the impact of Generative AI across Ericsson’s portfolio.

This report is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module (login required).

, , , May 3, 20249ai-ops promoted-reports solution-profiles ericsson topic report-lifecycle report-type vendor
Ericsson Policy for the Telco CloudEricsson has an end-to-end vision of policy across domains, and an architecture driving its implementation called “COMPA” – Control, Orchestration, Management, Policy, Analytics. Specific solutions are available or being developed …, , , March 22, 201620telco-cloud solution-profiles ericsson model-driven-definition topic report-type vendor
Ericsson SD-WAN Management

This document profiles Ericsson’s Management Solution (OSS, Orchestration), for SD-WAN, based on the Ericsson Orchestration Suite.  It is profiled in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices. This is one of a series of SD-WAN supplier profiles that Appledore is producing in 2018-2019.

The document looks at Ericsson’s SDWAN Management features, positioning, differentiators, and analysis compared to our best practices.

, , , , , April 25, 201930module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles closed-loop-automation ericsson topic report-type vendor
Ericsson's Network API Joint Venture

Ericsson and a host of global operators have announced plans to form a joint venture to establish a single platform that combines network APIs from multiple operators. The platform will present the GSMA Open Gateway set of APIs (in Linux Foundation CAMARA form) via various developer platforms. Will this new entity lead to a serious uptick in telco revenues from 5G networks? Can it succeed where similar previous efforts have failed? What’s different this time?

Our Research Note provides our take on the limited information provided so far, and commentary on the relationship/impact to adjacent efforts from other vendors and telcos.

In addition to Ericsson, the list of founding shareholders is: América Móvil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon and Vodafone

This report is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement or Operator Strategies & Vision research modules. 

, , , September 18, 20245module digital-enablement operator-strategies research-note report-type
EXFO Nova Context

Canadian vendor EXFO is a distinctive independent player in the telecom inventory space. EXFO is focused on the optimal management and combination of existing inventory data to support assurance and fulfilment business decision-making. This 10-page profile examines the company’s Nova Context offering, notable customers, and provides our own SWOT analysis, based on criteria from our wider inventory market outlook report.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s Observability and Data Management research module.

, , , , January 24, 202310network-data-management observability-data-mgt report-type solution-profiles exfo topic module vendor
EXFO OntologyOntology Systems (now part of EXFO) develops a real time network and service topology platform and toolset that is used for service and customer assurance applications. It is also used …, , November 14, 2016solution-profiles exfo rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type vendor topic
EXFO XtractEXFO is a provider of test and service assurance solutions for wireless and wireline network operators and network solutions vendors in the global telecom industry. EXFO offers solutions for the …, , November 14, 20167solution-profiles exfo rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type vendor topic
Experience-First Automation

This paper is available FREE here.

The use of intent is at the center of a radical and powerful change in how services and IP networks work.

In this extensive 15-page whitepaper by Appledore, in association with Juniper Networks, Principal Analyst Grant Lenahan offers a complete explanation of how intent, orchestration, AI/ML and more come together to deliver experience-first automation.

This paper is available FREE here, or can be purchased on this page. Also available free for subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module (login required). 

, , May 8, 202415promoted-reports automation-orchestration white-paper report-lifecycle module report-type
Flytxt: Customer Lifetime Value Maximization

Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV) is an established key metric in many sectors, yet in Telecom remains relatively low-profile compared with other metrics such as Net Promoter Score, CSAT and ARPU. Flytxt is one of the early movers in the CLTV space since 2010, with an impressive roster of CSPs as customers. Recent advances in cloud and AI, plus telco partnerships, are a key part of the company’s plans for the future.

Principal Analyst John Abraham profiles the company and its solution as part of our Digital Enablement research module.

This profile will be of interest both to CX architects, product owners within CSPs as well as wider BSS/Digital Enablement and telecom CRM/CX solutions.

, , August 17, 20239promoted-reports digital-enablement solution-profiles report-lifecycle module report-type
From Projects to Products: How AT&T's SDWAN is a Mindset Shift in Automation

The services that enterprises are willing to pay extra for on are inherently more complex and more customized – and therefore more difficult for telcos to automate, compared to mass-market consumer services. But there are signs that at least some CSPs are embracing an automation mindset, and making the changes and investments required to go from custom projects to repeatable products – and so profit from a $100+ billion enterprise services market opportunity.

We look at how AT&T’s recent announcement of an upgrade to its Cisco-based SDWAN offering points to a mindset shift in the automation of complex services, one that the wider market should take note of.

This Research Note is available free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration or Operator Strategies & Vision module.

, , , , July 21, 20235promoted-reports automation-orchestration enterprise-networks operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
FutureNet World, London, 2024

FutureNet World is the leading industry event dedicated to all things network automation related. The London 2024 edition proved a highly worthwhile two day event, affording insights and contact with all the leading pioneers, evangelists and practitioners from the vendor and – most impressively – operator community.

This 7-page writeup and analysis offers our take on the most significant themes and developments from the show.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration or Operator Strategies & Vision research (login required). 

, April 24, 20247promoted-reports research-note report-lifecycle report-type
FutureNet World, MENA, 2024

Futurenet World has become the go-to-event for honest discussion within telco on the future network and the role that automation and AI is playing. FutureNet MENA now in its third year. The differences in discussion topics, priorities and perspectives compared to the London event are worth noting.

This 5-page writeup and analysis offers our take on the most significant themes and takeaways from this region-focused event.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration or Operator Strategies & Vision research (login required). 

Note: Subscribers have access to the full version of the report. A free summarized version is available on the FutureNet World website

, , June 7, 20245promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
FYUZ2023: Open RAN Goes Mainstream

Despite some progress, the pioneers in Open RAN have not yet been followed by a “second wave” of fresh converts; that was always going to be a slower and more complicated phase.

Yet on the evidence of FYUZ 2023, the Open community is at least acknowledging the challenges, and engaging a wider range of stakeholders and influential parties – not least from among the very companies that it once seemed to challenge.

This report is published under our Open RAN research module. Existing subscribers can access it here.  

, October 26, 202315disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note module report-type
GenAI in BSS

There’s no doubt that GenAI is a powerful new capability. The question is: how and where can it be deployed to best effect?

In this Research Note, we review how GenAI is being incorporated by CSPs into the BSS/Digital Experience space, the impact it is already having on some conventional wisdom and business practices, and where telcos are exercising caution.

We also highlight some of the GenAI-infused offerings from leading software vendors on the show floor at MWC24: Amdocs, Salesforce, CSG, Netcracker and Totogi.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement research module (login required). 

, , , March 21, 20248module digital-enablement csg research-note vendor report-type
Generative AI for Telecom Operators

GenerativeAI – GenAI to its friends – is already the buzzword of the year. But how can telecom CSPs harness its potential, and understand (and mitigate) its risks? In this research note, we map out the areas of opportunity that GenAI offers telecom service providers, and provide recommendations for how to proceed.

We also shine a spotlight on GenAI developments at selected telecom vendors: Amdocs, AWS, DataRobot, EnterpriseWeb, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Salesforce, and ServiceNow.

This research note is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module. 

, , , September 4, 202310promoted-reports module operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Google Cloud Platform

Google Cloud Platform

“Google Cloud for Telecom is so much more than just infrastructure.”

Along with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, Google is the third hyperscaler to target telecom with a proposition based on cloud infrastructure. In this independent 14-page report, we provide an overview of Google Cloud Platform for Telecom, from its 2020 launch to the latest updates one year on. We look at Google Athos in a telecom context, and survey Google Cloud’s latest CSP and ISV partnerships.

, , , , , April 12, 2021145g edge-cloud google module distributed-cloud-infra solution-profiles topic vendor report-type
Growing Role of Platforms in Cyber Security - Eric Troup in a Defense PublicationWe present this paper as a resource to our readers.  On of the big operational transformations of NFV and the “telco cloud” is the transition of core capabilities – HA, …, , , April 13, 2017security white-paper optimization-engine microsoft topic report-type vendor
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Trueview Telco Inventory

This profile offers a thorough and impartial assessment of HPE Trueview inventory. HPE first introduced its Trueview active inventory solution in 2012. In its most recent platform release, Greenlake, HPE demonstrates its ongoing commitment to technology innovation and supporting global CSPs in their adoption of 5G and digital transformation.

This research is available to subscribers to our Observability & Data Management module. 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , , May 11, 202312observability-data-mgt digital-enablement hpe solution-profiles inventory module vendor report-type topic
Home Wifi - Broadband weak link and business opportunity

THE SUDDEN SHIFT TO WORK-AT-HOME HAS CREATED OPPORUNITY AS WELL AS RISK

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a rapid shift to distributed working, distributed schooling and intensive use of in-home entertainment. This traffic surge has strained networks, yes, but it has also done something that decades of advertising have not – brought the critical importance and value of broadband access to the forefront.  It has also revealed a common weak link: WiFi performance and coverage.  This is both a threat and an opportunity.

WiFi has been both a boon and a problem for CSPs. On the plus side it simplifies installation. On the minus side poor WiFi performance and limited coverage degrades performance and raises trouble costs. In the end it also hurts customers’ perceptions of their CSP and their broadband service. Similarly, it depresses potential revenues by suppressing demand for enhanced services.  CSPs have worsened this problem through “tight coupling” that ties them to old WiFi technology and their customers to these obsolete routers.  In almost no cases is modern mesh technology supported by CSP delivered WiFi.

, , , , May 11, 20208module enterprise-networks research-note technology nokia report-type topic vendor
HPE and Juniper

Commentary and first-look analysis on HPE’s planned $14bn acquisition of networking vendor Juniper.

We look at the risks and opportunities for HPE, assess the impact on the telecom network automation software market, as well as on rivals such as Cisco and telecom NEPs.

This research report is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics & Assurance or Enterprise Edge & Private Networks research modules (login required). 

, , , , January 10, 202410promoted-reports module aiops-assurance-analytics enterprise-networks research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Huawei Analyst Summit 2024

Huawei Analyst Summit (HAS) provides the best opportunity to understand the broad sweep of Huawei’s strategy and outlook, and to drill into details in more specific areas with product owners, strategy leads and other subject matter experts. In-depth customer case studies provide real-world state of the art.

HAS2024’s overarching theme was “Thrive with Intelligence”, reflecting Huawei’s strong vision for how the world’s telecom networks should work: as intelligently as possible. Strategy and product presentations reflected this plan of moving from Network Automation to Intelligent Operations. Data, automation, AI and programmable networks are at the center of Huawei’s vision.

Our subtitle on the event writeup – Autonomous Networks Move Center Stage – reflects our take on the changes in emphasis and strategy that we took away from two full days of presentations.

In this comprehensive debrief from the event, we offer our takeaways and highlights.

This research is free for subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

 

, May 9, 202418huawei research-note vendor report-type
Huawei Autonomous Driving Networks (ADN)Autonomous Driving Networks (ADN) is a Huawei initiative focused at enabling the efficient and automatic delivery and management of networks and services. ADN aims to deliver simplification, automation and intelligence …, , , , , , , August 25, 202020ai-ops huawei module automation-orchestration solution-profiles closed-loop-automation optimization-engine policy-driven-orchestration topic vendor report-type
Huawei MAE

Huawei’s iMaster Mobile Broadband Automation Engine – Core Network Autonomous Driving Networks (MAE-CN ADN), facilitates the agile delivery and operation of Huawei Cloud Core Telecom Cloud Infrastructure for 4G and 5G broadband networks, and unified applications for efficiently managing the previous generations of networks together with 4G and 5G.

In this profile, we look at the scope and capabilities of the solution.

Free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research (login required). 

, , , February 28, 202413huawei promoted-reports automation-orchestration solution-profiles vendor report-lifecycle module report-type
Huawei Product Advisory Conference 2024

Appledore had rare and privileged access to Huawei‘s annual Product Advisory Conference (PAC) for 2024, in which key customers actively shape priorities within the roadmap of solutions.

This research note offers a unique insight into Huawei’s strategy in BSS and Digital Enablement, and in particular its thinking (and progress) on the use of GenAI in critical business operations and front-office functions.

This research note is free to download, courtesy of Huawei. For more reports related to Huawei, see here

Subscribers to our Digital Enablement Systems research module can access the report directly via their existing access. 

, , , , July 24, 20246huawei premium-reports promoted-reports digital-enablement research-note vendor report-lifecycle module report-type
Huawei Strategy Update - HAS2023

Huawei presents its strategy to several hundred invited telecom analysts at an annual event, the Huawei Analyst Summit. Where its MWC presence offers a showcase for its technologies, the HAS offers a better opportunity to hear the overarching strategy set out.

In this research note we offer our summary and commentary on what was presented over the course of two days at the Huawei’s HQ in Shenzhen, in April 2023.

You can also hear Robert Curran and Shanthi Ravindran discussing HAS2023 on the Appledore podcast

Note: Existing subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision module can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

To view additional research on Huawei, click here

, , , May 5, 20239huawei module automation-orchestration research-note vendor report-type
IBM Acquires HashiCorp

IBM is spending $6.4billion to acquire HashiCorp, a company founded just 12 years ago, focused on multi-cloud infrastructure automation. In this research note we look at the deal, its rationale, and what the implications are for the telecom sector.

This research is free to subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module (login required). 

, , May 17, 20244promoted-reports distributed-cloud-infra research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
IBM Cloud OrchestratorIBM is focusing on the higher level layers of the “Cloud Management stack”. This includes service catalogs and service workflow orchestration. IBM Cloud Orchestrator (ICO) is a IT process management …, , March 22, 201610solution-profiles ibm policy-driven-orchestration report-type vendor topic
IBM Cloud Pak for AIOps

The necessity for Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to quickly detect and recover from network issues is becoming ever more critical. Delay in detecting and solving service-impacting issues risks jeopardising telecom’s three vital Rs: revenue, reputation and retention. Amidst rising network and operational complexity, greater speed and intelligence is required.

Part of IBM’s wider suite of Cloud Pak offerings, IBM Cloud Pak® for AIOps is a state-of-the-art AIOps platform to assess, diagnose, and resolve incidents across mission-critical workloads, based on advanced, adaptable and explainable AI and using Network and IT Operations data.

In this profile, we assess the capabilities of IBM Cloud Pak for AIOps in the context of AIOps in general, and against the distinct challenges and requirements that CSPs face in adopting it in telecom networks. Includes a SWOT analysis, and recommendations for CSPs.

This report is available for purchase below, or free to current subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module (click here to log in). 

For any enquiries, use the Ask the Analyst button below or contact us.

 

, , , , , , , , November 2, 2023125g ai-ops analytics module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles closed-loop-automation ibm topic vendor
IBM Cognitive Network Operations

This document profile’s IBM’s portfolio in assurance and analytics, under its concept of “cognitive operations”.  The profile includes traditional product, as well as how IBM is augmenting them with leading edge AI/LM technology from Watson.

, , December 21, 201712solution-profiles optimization-engine ibm report-type topic vendor
IBM Policy in the Telco CloudIBM does not have is own IBM-branded solutions for traditional 3GPP PCC (Policy and Charging Control) or its evolution into overall monetization of services, rather working as a solution integrator …, , , March 22, 201618telco-cloud solution-profiles model-driven-definition ibm topic report-type vendor
IBM Quantum Computing Strategy Update

IBM has been working on quantum computing for many years. That research is now finding real-world applications in fields as diverse as telecom, financial services, logistics and healthcare. In this report, we highlight IBM’s recent breakthroughs in the field, some practical use cases for quantum computing, and progress towards what IBM calls “Quantum Utility” – deriving real business and scientific value from this pioneering technology.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies and Vision, or AIOps, Assurance and Analytics research modules (login required). 

For some additional background on this topic, check out our podcast episode with the Chief Operating Officer at IBM Research, Dr Jeff Welser! 

, , , March 27, 20249premium-reports aiops-assurance-analytics operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
IBM watsonx AI

IBM has been rapidly expanding its presence in networking and telecom – not least in its vision for using all forms of AI to help telcos automate and optimize. Its vision is as comprehensive as it gets – with an impressive degree of realization already, and numerous real-world proof points from customers.

This extensive profile provides an in-depth view of IBM’s watsonx AI platform offering to telcos. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the state of the art (and state of one of the leading vendors) in AI for telecom.

This research is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Assurance and Analytics research module (login required). 

To browse all our recent research publications, click here

, , , July 11, 202413promoted-reports aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles ibm report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Industrial automation and 5G

In this market outlook we investigate, validate, qualify and size the 5G opportunity in Industrial Automation (IA), sometimes referred to as “the 4th Industrial Revolution” or “Industry 4.0”. Regardless of terminology, is the opportunity real? How big it is?  When it will happen? How it will happen?” The report is based on detailed interviews with CSPs, 5G vendors, other industry players and industry organizations., We size the market, drill into various segments, and lay out the critical points that CSPs and 5G vendors must understand and address in order to succeed.  We also discuss factors that will drive adoption in various sectors and geographies, providing guidance for how to successfully identify and target opportunities

, , , , , , , July 3, 2020425g edge-cloud promoted-reports module automation-orchestration enterprise-networks iot market-outlook topic report-lifecycle report-type
Industrial automation and 5G (Full Report)

In this market outlook we investigate, validate, qualify and size the 5G opportunity in Industrial Automation (IA), sometimes referred to as “the 4th Industrial Revolution” or “Industry 4.0”. Regardless of terminology, is the opportunity real? How big it is?  When it will happen? How it will happen?” The report is based on detailed interviews with CSPs, 5G vendors, other industry players and industry organizations. We size the market, drill into various segments, and lay out the critical points that CSPs and 5G vendors must understand and address in order to succeed.  We also discuss factors that will drive adoption in various sectors and geographies, providing guidance for how to successfully identify and target opportunities

, , , , , , July 2, 2020425g promoted-reports module automation-orchestration enterprise-networks iot market-outlook topic report-lifecycle report-type
Industrial automation and 5G (Sample)

In this market outlook we investigate, validate, qualify and size the 5G opportunity in Industrial Automation (IA), sometimes referred to as “the 4th Industrial Revolution” or “Industry 4.0”. Regardless of terminology, is the opportunity real? How big it is?  When it will happen? How it will happen?” The report is based on detailed interviews with CSPs, 5G vendors, other industry players and industry organizations. We size the market, drill into various segments, and lay out the critical points that CSPs and 5G vendors must understand and address in order to succeed.  We also discuss factors that will drive adoption in various sectors and geographies, providing guidance for how to successfully identify and target opportunities

, , , , , July 3, 2020125g module automation-orchestration enterprise-networks iot market-outlook topic report-type
Infovista Ativa

“Infovista is one of the last independent ISVs with its core portfolio in the service assurance market.” – Patrick Kelly

Infovista is a leading independent software vendor with a strong track record in the service assurance market. Beyond service assurance alone, it has a broad portfolio of solutions for network operators, focused on network planning & optimization; network testing & deployment; and service and experience assurance.

Launched in 2022, Ativa aims to combine operational tasks into a single holistic view of the entire network. In this 9-page profile Appledore looks the market reaction to Ativa and its significance within the Service Assurance market.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , February 8, 20239infovista service-orchestration module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles vendor topic
Infovista Ipanema SD-WAN

This in-depth document profiles Infovista’s Ipanema SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.  We cover infovista’s technology, features, relative positioning, market evidence / success and also how they integrate into the broader operational environment to support automation.

This is one of a series of SD-WAN supplier profiles that Appledore is producing in 2018-2019.

Document is 20 pages long with features, positioning, differentiators, and analysis compared to our best practices.

, , , , , September 18, 201920infovista module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles closed-loop-automation vendor topic report-type
Innovation Emergency

“The gap between telcos’ dreams for 5G and the reality of delivering and monetizing them is simply too big.” – Francis Haysom

There is a constant call for greater innovation from telcos, in pursuit of goals for growth – and to prove to shareholders that the investment in 5G has been worth it. But all too often, the sort of innovation put forward has been bordering on science fiction, or at least fantastical, and missing functional (and revenue) opportunities closer to home. In the current telecom market climate, the issue constitutes something of an emergency.

But the problem is much less about technology than poorly-structured thinking about the nature of innovation in telecom.

In this Research Note, Francis Haysom applies Appledore’s Innovation Framework to show how it can uncover significant new value even from telecom’s longest-established service – Emergency Contact (999/911/112).

This research is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision module (login required). 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , November 13, 202314network-data-management observability operator-strategies research-note topic module report-type
Intent-Based Operations in a Shared RAN: Ericsson

For 5G mobile services, Malaysia’s 34 million people rely on an almost unique network: a single RAN owned by the government, but connected to the separate mobile core networks of competing (retail) service providers. Ericsson Managed Services provides day-to-day operations support of the shared RAN.

Faced with the challenge of unconventional and unpredictable RAN traffic patterns, Ericsson has piloted an solution to optimize the allocation of bandwidth automatically, dynamically. Its resulting Intent-based Operations (IBO) illustrates the real-world results achievable from the application of intent-based thinking to autonomous networks.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module (login required). 

, , October 10, 202412other-reports solution-profiles ericsson report-type vendor
Inventory in Virtualized Software Enabled NetworksThis paper considers the continued importance of inventory in supporting CSPs in managing increasingly dynamic and virtualized software-enabled networks.  It builds on work in “Dynamic Inventory”, Appledore’s 2017 Framework report. …, , January 17, 201828ciena white-paper inventory vendor report-type topic
Inventory Management

This report on inventory management looks at the changing landscape for inventory in telcos and follows on from our 2017 report on dynamic inventory and our previous report on Network Data Management, which focused on observability and the management of telemetry data. It looks at the new challenges and requirements for inventory in networks that are becoming increasingly dynamic, where the network is becoming increasingly software-based, and where the underlying network is deployed on the cloud. It looks at the changes needed to network inventory solutions in response to this.

Broken into four sections, the report provides a definition and forecast for the inventory market and a background on the evolution of inventory management. It then looks at the current business challenges that will change inventory management and finally describes what inventory solutions will need to change to address these challenges.

Appledore believes data, including inventory, will be the central platform around which all operational processes will flow. Network Data Management, including inventory, is at the center of our Network Automation Software (NAS) taxonomy. Inventory provides the fundamental knowledge of what and where the network is. A record of all the components (geographic, physical, logical, and service) of the network and the dependencies and topological relationships between them.

Network Data Management (NDM) is an essential segment within the Network Automation Software (NAS) market. We predict growth in spending on solutions in this category, from an estimated USD 0.9 billion in 2023 to USD 1.7 billion in 2027.  We estimate that inventory is 10% of the total NDM market, with total spending on inventory solutions growing from USD 90 million in 2023 to USD 170 million in 2027, supporting increased automation in service orchestration, domain management, and in AIOps. Our estimate covers total inventory spend, including both software and services but does not include inventory embedded in domain management applications like controllers. These are important components of Inventory but difficult to separate from the domain manager spend.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , November 18, 202230observability-data-mgt hpe juniper-vendor rakuten-symphony network-data-management servicenow module report-type amdocs market-outlook ciena cisco inventory ericsson vendor topic
IP Transport Automation: Nokia NSP

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our new market outlook report on automation in the transport domain.  This research looks at the state of the art in automating transport networks and services. Our focus is on L2/L3 services, but with full observability of Layer 1.  This profile focuses specifically on Nokia’s NSP, one of the earliest entrants in this segment, with lineage back to Alcatel-Lucent’s SAM.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module.

, , , January 10, 202310module automation-orchestration solution-profiles nokia report-type vendor
IP Transport Automation: Oracle IPSA

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on automation in the transport domain.  This research looks at the state of the art in automating transport networks and services. Our focus is on L2/L3 services, but with full observability of Layer 1.

This profile focuses on Oracle’s IP Service Activation (IPSA) solution, part of Oracle’s wider portfolio of automation and orchestration offerings.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module.

, , , January 12, 20239module automation-orchestration solution-profiles oracle report-type vendor
IP/Optical Automation: Netcracker Network Domain Orchestration

This report is now available free, courtesy of Netcracker. 

Netcracker has long been one of the few firms that maintains a “complete stack” with meaningful portfolios in all aspects of operating a public telecom network and business, including network automation, traditional OSS, order and catalog management, revenue management, and customer experience management. Within network automation software (“NAS”) Netcracker has strong assets in network data management; orchestration, and AIOps, enabling them to fully “close the loop”.

Netcracker has benefited from close association with NEC on network technologies such as SDN and early work on NFV, in association with large CSPs. However, Netcracker strongly defends its independence and its validity as a relatively neutral, multi-vendor ISV.

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on automation in the transport domain.  This research looks at the state of the art in automating transport networks and services. Our focus is on L2/L3 services, but with full observability of Layer 1.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module.

This report is free to download, courtesy of Netcracker. Your details will only be used to send the report, and not passed to any third party.

Existing subscribers can also access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , , , , June 7, 20238promoted-reports module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles netcracker report-lifecycle vendor
IP/Optical Automation: Fujitsu Virtuora NC

In telecom, Fujitsu has nailed its colors to the “open” mast, and it has a sizeable business in building and operating the most modern of networks. Its Virtuora NC (Network Controller) offering is a key part of its wider proposition, and gives the company reach both directly into service providers and also other vendors who lack their own optical control software.

In this profile we look at where Virtuora NC fits, within our overall network automation software market taxonomy, market traction to date, and identify some standout features and characteristics.

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on automation in the transport domain.  This research looks at the state of the art in automating transport networks and services. Our focus is on L2/L3 services, but with full observability of Layer 1.

This profile is free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module (login required).

, , , , April 17, 20236promoted-reports module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles report-lifecycle
IP/Optical Automation: Huawei NCE

Perhaps more than any other vendor, Huawei has taken the vision of an autonomous network and applied it across a broad and deep portfolio of network management products and adjacent services offerings. This profile takes an in-depth look at the company’s Network Cloud Engine (NCE) suite of product for IP and Optical domain management, and assesses the approaches and concepts they embody.

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on automation in the transport domain.  This research looks at the state of the art in automating transport networks and services. Our focus is on L2/L3 services, but with full observability of Layer 1.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module.

Existing subscribers can also access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , , , , September 1, 202318huawei promoted-reports module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles vendor report-lifecycle
IP/Transport Domain Management & Automation

The transport domain is becoming more complex, more multi-vendor and critically – far more dynamic. No longer do WANs and other enterprise services get set up once and remain unchanged for years.  Rather, services will be more customized and dynamically changing. This demands automation.

This market outlook provides an understanding of the status, evolution size and growth for domain managers that control a huge subset of networks:  IP services over optical transport, both in the core and out to the access network.

Short profiles of notable vendors in the space are included:

  • Blue Planet Transport Automation Solution (Ciena)
  • Cisco NSO and CrossWork
  • Elisa FRINX Machine
  • Huawei All-Optical AND (Autonomic Driving Network)
  • Infinera Open Wave Manager
  • Juniper Paragon Automation
  • Netcracker Network Domain Orchestrator (NDO)
  • Nokia Network Services Platform (NSP)
  • Oracle IP Service Activation (IPSA)

This report offers a valuable insight into how this apparently mature segment continues to evolve, and how suppliers are responding to new demands of CSPs.

It also includes detailed set of recommendations for CSPs and vendors in this space.

, , , , , , , December 7, 202230security telco-cloud service-orchestration automation-orchestration report-type iot sd-wan-sdn market-outlook topic module
Itential: Acceleration through Orchestration

Telcos face a real dilemma when it comes to serving their enterprise customers: the space “beyond connectivity” is where the opportunity is, but it’s also more complex, and is precisely where enterprise customers want simplicity and speed. Programmable networks are just the beginning.

Itential is a company with a solution to the problem, promising ambitious growth-focused telcos a way to tap into a giant market of new services that enterprises are all up for.

We take a look at the Itential proposition in this profile, and the company’s distinctive market positioning.

For free access to the report click here.

May 15, 20249solution-profiles report-type
Juniper Networks Paragon Automation (IP domain)

Juniper Networks is one of the leading providers of IP networking gear globally with a comprehensive portfolio of routers, network appliances, SDWAN, and managed wifi. This profile focuses on their management/automation software portfolio which has received growing investment over the past few years, including both organic and through acquisition.

At over 12 pages, this longer-than-usual profile offers an independent, comprehensive technical assessment of Juniper Networks’ Automation and Orchestration offering and market position.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module.

, , , , January 10, 202313juniper-vendor module aiops-assurance-analytics automation-orchestration solution-profiles vendor report-type
Juniper Paragon Active Assurance

Juniper Paragon Active Assurance (formerly known as Netrounds) is a programmable, active test and monitoring solution for physical, hybrid, and virtual networks.  Paragon Active Assurance uses active, synthetic traffic layers 2-7 and verifies application and service performance at the time-of-service delivery and throughout the life of the service.

, , , December 13, 20228juniper-vendor module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles vendor report-type
Juniper Paragon: IP Transport Automation

This report is available free, courtesy of Juniper. 

Juniper is one of the leading global providers of IP network gear, and has recognized the growing importance of automation software. Through acquisitions and organic investment, it now has an important portfolio of network automation software under the Paragon brand, including in Domain Orchestration (Management), the largest of our NAS market segments.

This 13-page, in-depth profile assesses Paragon Automation, Juniper’s modular offering for intent-based transport network automation.

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on automation in the transport domain.  This research looks at the state of the art in automating transport networks and services. Our focus is on L2/L3 services, but with full visibility of Layer 1.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module.

This report is free to download, courtesy of Juniper. Your details will only be used to send the report, and not passed to any third party.

Existing subscribers can also access the report here.

, , , , , October 23, 202313promoted-reports juniper-vendor module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles report-lifecycle vendor
Keysight Technologies

Keysight Technologies is one of the most significant player in the test equipment market, with over USD 5.4B in revenue, 32,000 customers and products distributed in over 100 countries.

Since 2014, Keysight has invested heavily in 5G, developing a product portfolio supporting the digital transformation efforts of mobile operators worldwide. A string of acquisitions and internal development have resulted in a portfolio spanning mobile device testing and benchmarking, RAN validation and performance testing, 5G core and domain management products, and network operations and monitoring systems. But this also means competition from a wide range of strong players including Anritsu, Netscout, Rohde & Schwarz, Spirent and Viavi.

In this extensive profile, we look at how Keysight has expanded its relevance across the entire 5G supply chain, and how it has adapted its test, measurement and assurance solutions (and wider ecosystem) in response to the software-ization and cloudification of telecom.

This report is free for subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module.

, , February 13, 202318module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles report-type
KubeCon: A Glimpse into Cloud-Native Telecom's Future

Kubernetes-fest KubeCon is a global event series that offers telecom a glimpse of the future – and also what is already today’s reality for thousands of companies in other industries.

Francis Haysom donned a baseball cap, T-shirt and got down with the developers to see what a cloud-native world is really like, and what that might mean for telecom.

This research note is free to subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research (login required). 

, , April 5, 20247premium-reports distributed-cloud-infra research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
Leading Suppliers in the Software Automation Market

Global expenditures in the telecommunications market for operational and capital investments is forecasted at USD 1.68 Trillion in 2025. The automation software market is forecasted to account for 1% or USD 16.5 Billion in 2025. As CSPs enter the technology upgrade cycle for 5G and virtualization of the infrastructure, investment distribution will shift from legacy OSS and BSS market products. Newer modern software will be deployed that is capable of managing more dynamic workloads across a distributed infrastructure. Many of the existing work flow processes and supporting service fulfilment and assurance systems are not designed to support the new technology and services that will be delivered to consumers. Automation of the software-controlled network will drive the reallocation of investments from traditional OSS and BSS systems towards the emerging automation software market.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , April 15, 201934module automation-orchestration amdocs global-forecast sd-wan-sdn vendor ciena catalog-and-composition cisco closed-loop-automation inventory ericsson exfo ibm microsoft policy-driven-orchestration rapid-automated-service-assurance oracle netcracker nokia spirent report-type topic
LotusFlare: DNO Cloud

Here is a review of LotusFlare’s DNO Cloud commerce and monetization platform. Over the past ten years, LotusFlare has continuously improved its DNO Cloud SaaS platform by integrating charging, billing, payments, CPQ, eSIM monetization, and more. Several Tier-1 CSPs have already embraced LotusFlare’s DNO platform to introduce new digital brands, set up online marketplaces, and replace outdated BSS systems. For more information about the DNO Cloud platform, please check it out.

, May 11, 202310digital-enablement solution-profiles module report-type
Low Risk Path to Agility

This document focuses on how catalog driven DevOps principles can achieve a high degree of re-use, cost reduction, and agility.  It further demonstrates that this approach complements the industry shift to virtualization and advanced orchestration, and provides a low-risk, gradual path toward agility.

, , June 12, 201817white-paper model-driven-definition sigma-systems report-type topic vendor
Lumen NaaS: A Market in Transition

Lumen’s launch of a new Network-as-a-Service offering in July 2023 included a number of eye-catching features: on-demand, pay-by-the-hour pricing. But these are just the beginning of what Lumen has been re-architecting itself for for years: a completely new kind of enterprise market.

In this research note we look at Lumen’s new offering and the enabling technologies and attitudes behind it – and why we think that Lumen’s implementation of NaaS is evidence of a market in transition.

This research is part of our Enterprise Edge and Private Networks research modules. Current subscribers can access the report here

, August 25, 20234enterprise-networks research-note module report-type
Lumen's Inventory Transformation with Blue Planet

Ciena’s Blue Planet has secured another strategic Inventory Transformation deal, this time at US business-focused communications provider, Lumen. 

The 3-year program is ambitious in its scale and speed, reinforcing Lumen’s desire to innovate and think radically, and get ahead of its enterprise customers’ demands.

In this 4-page Research Note, we look at the scope of this project and the factors that we believe likely gave Blue Planet an edge over well-known incumbent inventory rivals, already in place from a pre-Lumen-branding string of mergers and acquisitions.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Network Data Management and Strategies & Vision research modules – and can also be downloaded (after email registration) here

For additional research referencing Ciena and Blue Planet (including some FREE reports), see here. 

, , , , August 21, 20244promoted-reports observability-data-mgt operator-strategies research-note ciena report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Machine Learning - Application in Telecommunication networks to improve anomaly detection

Machine learning promises to solve complex problems in the telecommunication operational domain much faster, cheaper, and with more accuracy than the best human domain experts could ever hope to achieve. Machine learning applied correctly has the potential to predict, identify, and quickly isolate anomalies yielding positive business outcomes. This is possible now because of high quality data sets, advances in compute processing, and teaming telco domain experts with data scientist to develop robust machine learning algorithms. The best way to think about machine learning is that it minimizes a cost function such as reducing an error rate. Said another way it processes millions of data sets, searches for patterns, and the results have a higher rate of accuracy compared to traditional methods.

, , , , September 23, 20198module aiops-assurance-analytics white-paper rapid-automated-service-assurance oracle report-type topic vendor
Managing the Telco Cloud: NFV and SDN role in the Existing OSS DomainThe report specifically addresses the relationship between service creation, management and orchestration, and resource control in the NFV and SDN domains. We bring some clarity to the role and relationships …, , March 22, 201667telco-cloud market-outlook policy-driven-orchestration topic report-type
MANO Supplier Scorecard: Top Picks for 2015This report provides an independent assessment of current MANO solutions in the market. It is complemented with profiles of each of the suppliers. We evaluated 12 leading suppliers in the …, March 22, 201667market-outlook policy-driven-orchestration report-type topic
MantisNet eBPF-based Observability for Cloud-Native Networks

Agility, enabled by automation, can only be achieved using cloud infrastructure, and running cloud-native applications. However, controlling “the network” is radically different when “the network” is defined in software, running on distributed clusters of Linux servers.

MantisNet is one example of a company using eBPF to provide observability and related capabilities for cloud-native networks, building on their history in Ethernet monitoring. MantisNet supports NetOps and SecOps teams making the move to Cloud Native networks.

In this profile, we assess MantisNet’s Containerized Visibility Fabric (CVF) product. Includes a brief SWOT analysis.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Observability and Data Management research module (current subscription and login required). 

, , , , , January 24, 202414network-data-management module observability-data-mgt small-companies report-type solution-profiles topic vendor
Market Forecast: Network Automation Software (NAS) 2022-2027

In the era of cloud, disaggregation and rising complexity, Network Automation Software is an increasingly critical category of spend for telcos. In this forecast, we put hard numbers on just how much telcos will invest in the new generation of software to help them scale their operations and unlock new revenues from the likes of private networks, dynamic enterprise services and security.

This landmark report is an essential reference for CSPs, as well as traditional and non-traditional telecom software vendors. It provides individual forecasts, supporting analysis and commentary across the six segments that make up the Network Automation Software market:

  • Domain Management
  • Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
  • AIOps
  • Cross-Domain Service Orchestration (CDSO)
  • Network Data Management (NDM)
  • Component Lifecycle Management (LCM)

Scroll down to see the complete table of contents and figures in this comprehensive report.

, , , May 2, 202235promoted-reports nas-data report-type global-forecast report-lifecycle module
Market Outlook: AIOps in Telecom Operations

AIOps is the innovation platform to improve network availability, capital efficiency, and counter cyber-attacks in cloud networks. However, the telecommunication market has been very slow to embrace the automation of operations, relative to other industries. This unwillingness to restructure operations to take advantage of low-cost machine intelligence has had a direct impact on the financial performance of CSPs.

This report focuses on the predominant use cases in the telecommunications industry. We evaluate the supply and demand side economic drivers. We also consider the broader secular trends impacting the market for AIOps investments including future labor force declines. As with most fast-growing early-stage market segments business models and the ecosystem will adapt quickly prior to maturation. We profile some of the leading suppliers and identify new entrants from the larger ecosystem.

Scroll down for the full Table of Contents.

This report is also available as a free download from IBM (registration required).

This research is published as part of our AIOps, Assurance, Analytics Research research module. Current subscribers can access that research here

, , , , February 21, 202224ai-ops module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type market-outlook topic
Market Outlook: End-to-End Service Orchestration

End-to-end, or cross-domain, Service Orchestration is a rapidly evolving market space. Indeed, the variety and capabilities of vendors in the market have expanded dramatically in just the past two years. At the same time, CSPs have had to learn a new set of concepts and to evolve their own thinking about what orchestration is, what it is for, and how it differs from earlier efforts to automate, co-ordinate and streamline operations. In this major new report, the result of hundreds of hours of in-depth conversations, we assess the state of the market and the most notable players within it.

This detailed report is essential reading for CSPs and vendors with an interest in cross-domain orchestration. Scroll down for the Table of Contents.

, , , , , , , March 10, 202260future-reports premium-reports promoted-reports service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type market-outlook report-lifecycle topic
Market Outlook: End-to-end Service Orchestration

End-to-end, or cross-domain, Service Orchestration is a rapidly evolving market space. Indeed, the variety and capabilities of vendors in the market have expanded dramatically in just the past two years. At the same time, CSPs have had to learn a new set of concepts and to evolve their own thinking about what orchestration is, what it is for, and how it differs from earlier efforts to automate, co-ordinate and streamline operations. In this major new report, the result of hundreds of hours of in-depth conversations, we assess the state of the market and the most notable players within it.

This detailed report is essential reading for CSPs and vendors with an interest in cross-domain orchestration. Scroll down for the Table of Contents.

Vendors profiled include: Amdocs, Blue Planet, Cisco, Comarch, Ericsson, HPE, IBM, Inmanta, Itential, Juniper, Netcracker, Nokia, Oracle, Rakuten Symphony, VMware. 

, , , , , , , , , March 30, 2022605g edge-cloud promoted-reports service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type sd-wan-sdn market-outlook policy-driven-orchestration topic report-lifecycle
Market Outlook: End-to-End Service Orchestration (Extract)

End-to-end, or cross-domain, Service Orchestration is a rapidly evolving market space. Indeed, the variety and capabilities of vendors in the market have expanded dramatically in just the past two years. At the same time, CSPs have had to learn a new set of concepts and to evolve their own thinking about what orchestration is, what it is for, and how it differs from earlier efforts to automate, co-ordinate and streamline operations. In this major new report, the result of hundreds of hours of in-depth conversations, we assess the state of the market and the most notable players within it.

This detailed report is essential reading for CSPs and vendors with an interest in cross-domain orchestration. Scroll down for the Table of Contents.

, , , , , , March 30, 202215premium-reports promoted-reports service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type market-outlook report-lifecycle topic
Market Outlook: Network Data Management

Network Data Management (NDM) is an essential segment within the Network Automation Software (NAS) market. We predict growth in spending on solutions in this category to rise to USD 1.7 billion in 2027. Yet this market is being contested by a ever-widening set of suppliers, including several large players from outside the conventional telecom vendor roster.

Over 20+ pages, this Market Outlook maps the significant shift in thinking (and practice) on data management in networks in recent years, and its relationship to today’s most fundamental concern for CSPs: automation. The report highlights the increasing importance of cloud and the influence of IT observability thinking in networks, and a dramatically different approach to inventory.

The report profiles a selection of diverse vendors whose offerings nonetheless incorporate the new principles for network data management and observability: Amdocs, Netscout and Nokia, Rakuten Symphony, Couchbase, Cloudera, Devo, Elastic, Splunk and Teradata.

Scroll down for the full Table of Contents.

, , , , , , , , April 28, 202221ai-ops rakuten-symphony network-data-management observability module observability-data-mgt continuous-improvement report-type market-outlook topic vendor
Marvell Technology: One Size Fits None

Marvell Technology is a US-based vendor of task-specific silicon to telecom, as well as datacenter/IT, automotive and other industries. In existence since the mid ’90s, in recent years under a new CEO, it has been on a transformational journey.

With our “Beyond x86: Specialty Silicon in Telecom” as a backdrop, this profile explores Marvell’s presence and relevance in the telecom vertical, assesses its strategies including a high-level SWOT analysis.

Free access for current subscribers to the following research modules:

  • Open, Disaggregated Networks & Ecosystems (access it here),
  • Automation & Orchestration research (click here)

Non-subscribers can purchase the report below. 

, , , January 8, 202411automation-orchestration disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem report-type market-outlook module
Mavenir Analyst Conference - Dallas 2022

Mavenir hosted its annual analyst event in Dallas November 16 – 17, 2022. The event was supported by the senior leadership team for radio, packet core, IMS, and billing. Sidd Chenumolu, VP of Technology Development at DISH Network keynoted the session providing insight on the Mavenir deployment within the DISH Network. Mavenir is deployed at DISH Network supporting 7K cell sites, 5 bands, and fully cloud native open RAN. 

Mavenir has been one of the most successful Open RAN disruptors in the market to date. One might argue that Mavenir led the Open RAN market creation back in 2017 and is now reaping the rewards of its fully virtualized container architecture. The market tailwinds of worldwide 5G rollouts, cloud-native transition with support from the hyperscalers, and western government policy shifts aimed at replacing Huawei and ZTE favor Mavenir. This is materializing in high-profile deployments at DISH Networks and Airtel where Mavenir is the prime supplier of 5G core and access technology. Mavenir has also cultivated long-term relationships with TMO-USA, Verizon, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, Rakuten, and Telstra among others where deployments are at early stages but could materialize in billions of revenues over the next 3 years. 

, , , , November 21, 20228mavenir module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem operator-strategies research-note vendor report-type
Mavenir in BSS: Mavenir Digital Enablement (MDE)

In this profile, we discuss how Mavenir is disrupting the billing segment of the market based on new technologies like 5G SA. We look at both the opportunities that Mavenir’s approach can facilitate, but also look at the challenges they face in competing with established billing suppliers.

, , , , , , December 1, 202295g mavenir module digital-enablement report-type iot solution-profiles topic vendor
Mavenir Private Networks

With 5G and Open RAN technologies, we believe that traditional CSP vendors have an opportunity to expand their market. We believe that Mavenir is putting in place the right approach by leveraging 5G and LTE in enterprise private networks, in particular, their approach to creating an industry partner ecosystem and developing enterprise-appropriate business models. 

In this profile, we discuss how Mavenir is taking a leading role in defining and leading this move to an LTE and 5G enterprise private networks. We look at both the opportunities that Mavenir’s approach can facilitate, but also look at the challenges they face in what is a non-traditional field for telecoms vendors. 

This report should be read in conjunction with our Mavenir Open RAN Solution Profile which looks in more detail at how Mavenir is approaching the wider opportunity from Open RAN in all wireless networks, including enterprise private networks. 

, , , , , , November 21, 2022145g mavenir module enterprise-networks report-type iot solution-profiles topic vendor
Measuring the Autonomy Chasm

“What is Level 4?”

Telcos believe intuitively that more autonomous networks must be a good thing, but the industry is far from agreed on what “good” looks like for autonomous network operations.

In the second report in our series on the Network Autonomy Chasm, Francis Haysom sets out a new basis for measuring progress towards fully autonomous networks.

See also the first Crossing the Network Autonomy Chasm report.

This research note is free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required), or can be purchased below. 

, , September 2, 202411promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
MEF Live! NaaS in Focus

Takeaways and observations from MEF’s Dallas event, October 2023.

This report is published under our Automation & Orchestration research module.

Existing subscribers can access it here.  

, , , October 10, 20237automation-orchestration enterprise-networks operator-strategies research-note module report-type
Microsoft Azure Applied To Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) And The Evolution To Digital ServicesThis paper looks at what azure is, how it maps to the needs of CSPs in the NFV and digital services spaces, and how it both maps to, and integrates …, , March 29, 201723white-paper microsoft technology report-type vendor topic
Mobile Core as-a-Service: Working Group Two

An understated contract award in late 2021 between two relatively low-profile companies could turn out to have much greater long-term significance for players in the mobile market, especially in the hot areas of enterprise private networks, 5G and telco as-a-service. This Research Note takes a closer look at the parties involved – Working Group Two and CKH IOD – and the differences between private networks offered on a managed service vs as-a-Service basis, and explains why better-known mobile players (operators and vendors alike) should take note of this quietly significant development.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Enterprise Edge and Private Networks, Digital Enablement, and Disaggregated Networks, Open RAN and Ecosystems research module.

You can also hear more about Working Group Two and wireless innovator Mobi in discussion with Appledore in this podcast episode

, , , , January 11, 20228enterprise-networks digital-enablement disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note report-type module
Mobileum Active Intelligence Platform

“Mobileum frequently quotes that 61% of network problems are discovered first by end users or not reported at all.”

Mobileum is an independent provider of roaming, analytics, and test and assurance services to CSPs  worldwide. Mobileum has a portfolio of solutions, including revenue assurance, fraud management, network optimization, and customer experience management. The company’s analytics platform, Active Intelligence, leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide real-time insights into network and customer behavior.

This report profiles Mobileum’s AIP platform, network testing, and assurance products. We evaluate the technology, review customer traction, and provide additional context for Mobileum’s industry position.

This report is free for subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module. Access it directly via your Digital Locker

, , , , , April 6, 202311infovista service-orchestration module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles vendor topic
Monetization at the Edge: Distributed Charging & 5G SA

In markets where customers are unlikely to pay more for 5G services over existing 4G spend, how can telcos’ growth ambitions be achieved? One new option that the 5G standalone architecture makes possible relates to the charging function (chf) itself. Especially when it comes to thinking about the needs of telcos’ enterprise customers.

In this research note, we explore the case for a distributed charging function, and the new opportunities it could provide, compared to earlier generations of mobile network charging architectures. We contrast that with a traditional centralized charging function, and make recommendations for CSPs who are considering how best to achieve their business goals from the rollout of 5G networks.

This report is available free, courtesy of sponsorship by Nokia. Access the report directly (no download or registration required) here.

, , , January 17, 20246promoted-reports module digital-enablement research-note report-lifecycle report-type
MTN Chenosis: Enabling Africa's Digital Transformation

“At MTN we aim to take our customers on a digital journey which transforms their lives…Chenosis is more than an API monetization journey for us, it’s a platform that will transform the African software landscape” – Selorm Adadevoh, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer

Much of the latest discussion around APIs in telecom centers on network APIs. But why wouldn’t telcos be a natural port of call for developers for a much wider range of APIs, addressing a wide variety of business needs?

Chenosis is a business with the MTN family, that is aiming to be an API aggregator, marketplace and more. As an example of what telcos can aspire to, its story is inspiring. Its pedigree and approach are also highly instructive for the telecom industry’s latest efforts to profit from participation within the API economy.

This report is free to access for subscribers to our Digital Enablement or  Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required), or can be purchased below. 

, , , September 17, 20248promoted-reports digital-enablement operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
MVNO Nation 2023

The annual MVNO Nation event is a unique opportunity to see telecom from a completely different perspective, and one that is often overlooked. But there is plenty of action from operators and suppliers in this community.

Published as part of our Digital Enablement & Monetization research module. Existing subscribers can access the report by logging in here

, December 1, 20234digital-enablement research-note module report-type
MWC Americas, 2023, Las Vegas

“Generative AI stole the show” – Patrick Kelly

A lot has changed since MWC Americas 2022. This report on the 2023 event from our on-site team of highly experienced analysts provides a summary and additional insights on the many topics address both in the speaker program, and from the all-important show floor and meeting room conversations.

This research is available as part of our Operator Strategies & Vision research.

Existing subscribers can access the research here.

Non-subscribers can purchase the report below, or contact us for subscription or other enquiries. 

, October 3, 20237operator-strategies research-note module report-type
MWC2023 Debrief

The Appledore team unpacks a busy week at MWC2023, highlighting the most notable announcements and takeaways from a telecom network automation perspective.

You can download just the slideset from this page.

Reflections on MWC Barcelona 2023

, March 10, 202313operator-strategies research-note module report-type
MWC2023 Preview

What topics will likely get the most airtime at MWC this year? More robots? Or VR headsets? Or something more rooted in the here-and-now? This Research Note offers our view on what themes are likely to stand out in Barcelona at MWC2023.

, February 20, 20238operator-strategies research-note module report-type
MWC2024 Roundup

MWC 2024 looked a lot more like its old pre-pandemic self. But viewed through the lens of network automation and digital enablement, there were some notable differences – and not only in the amount of time and space devoted to AI! Our team review the most significant takeaways from a week’s worth of show-floor conversations and announcements.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

Watch our 60-minute MWC24 debrief webinar – no registration required.

, March 11, 202414operator-strategies research-note module report-type
Nearby Computing: Service Orchestration for the Edge

The fact that Nearby Computing exists at all is evidence of how early stage the edge market is. This well-connected Spanish startup/spin-out has a particular take on what is needed to make telco-enabled edge applications work. With blue-chip backers and hedging its bets between a “spreading-out” telecom and “smartening-up” infrastucture companies, Nearby suggests that that “blurred” may be the new “laser-focused”.

Touching on edge infra, orchestration, 5G, Kubernetes and more, this short profile is a thought-provoking read.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , , October 7, 202255g edge-cloud telco-cloud module enterprise-networks report-type solution-profiles topic
Nephio: Cloud-Native Telecom Gets a New Gear

Nephio is a new, fast-moving and widely-backed initiative that addresses issues in the automation of the lifecycle of cloud-native telecom network functions. With the driving force of Google Cloud behind it, and over 70 operator, vendor, NEP, SI and ISV participants also involved, it has the potential to put the journey to cloud-native telecom into a higher gear.

We think Nephio is a truly important initiative that anyone with an interest in cloud-native telecom needs a working knowledge of. 

This research note explains what Nephio is, why it has gathered such momentum already, and its prospects for success.

This report is available as part of our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module. 

, August 21, 20239distributed-cloud-infra research-note module report-type
Netcracker 12 and Hybrid Virtualization - A focus on End-2-End business cases and agile operations

Report on Netcracker 12 from analyst conference in Cannes May 2017

, , , June 1, 20174catalog-and-composition white-paper closed-loop-automation netcracker topic report-type vendor
NetCracker Agile Virtualization Platform

This solution profile describes NetCracker’s solution in the context of achieving closed-loop automation, with a focus on MANO and NFV.  We use the best practices from ARG’s framework report, “The Role of Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks” as a consistent yardstick to measure industry progress, and in this case, that of NEC/NetCracker.

, , February 13, 201711solution-profiles closed-loop-automation netcracker report-type topic vendor
Netcracker Business Cloud for SD-WAN

This document profiles Netcracker’s Management & Orchestration Solution for SD-WAN, based on the Netcracker Business Cloud.  This solution is Netcracker’s entry into the management of SD-WAN and related enterprise services (OSS, Orchestration), and is profiled in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices. This is one of a series of SD-WAN supplier profiles that Appledore is producing in 2018-2019.

The document looks at Netcracker’s SDWAN Management features, problems solved, positioning, differentiators, and analysis compared to our best practices.

, , , , July 10, 201932module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles netcracker topic report-type vendor
Netcracker GenAI Telco Solution

Netcracker is a long-standing market leader in telecom software with solutions covering digital OSS/BSS, customer engagement, cloud, and analytics. It is one of the first to announce a telco-specific offering that leverages GenAI capabilities.

In a 11-page profile, we look at what the new offering provides, and how it aims to help telcos improve operations and reduce costs, while navigating the concerns and limitations around GenAI.

This report is free, courtesy of Netcracker. It is also available online (no download) for subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , , September 22, 202311observability module aiops-assurance-analytics observability-data-mgt report-type solution-profiles netcracker topic vendor
Netcracker Inventory Management

“Telco digital transformation programs are the leading driver for deploying Netcracker Inventory. ” – Francis Haysom

Netcracker is a long-standing telco software vendor with solutions covering digital OSS/BSS, customer engagement, cloud, and analytics. Their inventory products include Active Resource Inventory and Service Inventory which together form the Netcracker Inventory Solution, part of its Digital OSS suite.

In this 10-page profile following up our Market Outlook on Inventory, we look at Netcracker’s solution and how it has changed to keep pace with industry trends and evolving operator requirements in this vitally important area.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , February 14, 202310observability module observability-data-mgt report-type solution-profiles netcracker topic vendor
NetCracker NFV/MANO SolutionNetCracker/NEC’s first NFV solutions are vEPC and vCPE, both high priorities for mobile and fixed operators respectively. NEC also offers a full SDN solution, including commercially available OpenFlowswitches and an …, , March 22, 201612solution-profiles policy-driven-orchestration netcracker report-type topic vendor
NetCracker Policy for the Telco CloudNetcracker is providing policy in the area of Telco Cloud. This report looks at how Netcracker solutions provide this capability., , , , , , , June 18, 201917telco-cloud module automation-orchestration solution-profiles closed-loop-automation model-driven-definition policy-driven-orchestration netcracker topic report-type vendor
Netscout

This document profiles Netscout’s nGeniusONE and Carrier Solutions.

, , , , , June 7, 201914netscout-vendor module aiops-assurance-analytics continuous-improvement solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance vendor topic report-type
NETSCOUT

NETSCOUT was founded in Westford, MA, (as Frontier Software) in 1984 by current CEO Anil Singhal and Narendra Popat. Its diverse set of assets from multiple acquisitions have been combined into a more unified enriched data platform, today supporting a near billion-dollar revenue stream spanning assurance, AI, analytics. NETSCOUT is also the largest supplier of passive and active probing solutions in the telecommunication market.

In this 10-page profile we look at recent financial performance, current portfolio and how the company has doubled down on its 5G focus.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module.

, , , , , February 7, 202311netscout-vendor ai-ops analytics aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles vendor topic module
NETSCOUT Omnis Analytics

Founded in 1984, NETSCOUT is today a leader in network and service assurance, with its solutions deployed at 90% of Tier-1 service providers. This close-on-$1bn revenue service assurance company is responding to the seismic changes in networks and network operations, and the pivotal role of AI and ML.

In this profile, we take an in-depth look at NETSCOUT’s Omnis Analytics offering, adjacent portfolio and recent innovations both technical and commercial.

This report is free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research (login required).

, , , , , , , April 2, 202414netscout-vendor ai-ops analytics premium-reports promoted-reports observability aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles vendor topic report-lifecycle module report-type
Network Automation & Sustainability

What is the role of network automation software (NAS) in supporting telcos’ sustainability goals?

This report is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

, , , February 6, 20248promoted-reports module operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Network Automation Software (NAS) Market Forecast 2024-2028

Telecom’s standing as critical national and international infrastructure has never been higher. Yet maintaining the status quo has never looked a less viable strategy. A dramatic ramp-up in automation is at the center of telecom’s transition to a low-cost, highly-personalized, agile and investor-attracting sector.

How much will telcos spend on network automation software (NAS) in the years ahead? Which segments will see double-digit growth, and which will see only modest gains – or falls? Our latest benchmark NAS Market Forecast looks from 2024 through 2028, a period likely to see substantial impact from innovations such as open networks, AI (and GenAI!) and network APIs.

This landmark report is an essential reference for CSPs, as well as traditional and non-traditional telecom software vendors. It provides individual forecasts, supporting analysis and commentary across the six segments that make up the Network Automation Software market:

  • Domain Management & Orchestration
  • AIOps & Analytics
  • Cross-Domain Service Orchestration (CDSO)
  • Observability & Network Data Management (NDM)
  • Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
  • Continuous Test (CT, formerly Component Lifecycle Management)

Scroll down to see the complete table of contents and figures in this comprehensive report.

This research report is free for subscribers to our NAS Market Data research module. It can be accessed here (login required). 

, , , January 5, 202441promoted-reports nas-data report-type global-forecast report-lifecycle module
Network Automation Software Forecast 2020 to 2025

Appledore Research forecast the growth of the Network Automation Software (NAS) market from 2020 to 2025, Appledore believe that the market for NAS will be driven by both growth from new markets and existing market substitution:

  1. Increase in CSP CAPEX spend on Virtualized/Cloud networks substituting for physical networks including 5G.
  2. Substitution of existing OSS/BSS technology with NAS as Virtualized/Cloud Networks are deployed
  3. New opportunities from the growth of private enterprise networks based on 4G/5G
  4. Growth in enterprise demand for WAN services from SD-WAN
  5. Growth in non telco applications and services hosted at the edge of the network, closely aligned with access networks.

This report follows our 2019 Leading Suppliers in the Automation Software Market report. Appledore Research categorized the network automation software market into eight market segments and estimated market share for each segment.

, , , , , , , , , October 11, 2019345g edge-cloud module automation-orchestration nas-data global-forecast sd-wan-sdn inventory policy-driven-orchestration rapid-automated-service-assurance topic report-type
Network Automation Software Market Share (2021)

Who are the leading vendors in telecom network automation software? How have cloud, AI and virtualization impacted the market landscape, and vendor standings? How should vendors orient their offerings to be more forward-looking and appealing to a changed CSP buying agenda?

This new analysis of the telecom network automation software market provides market sizing and vendor market share estimates across multiple segments including:

  • Domain Management
  • Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management
  • AIOps
  • Service Orchestration
  • Network Data Management
  • Lifecycle Management

This analysis includes a re-drawing of the NAS market landscape, providing vendors with a more modern picture to position their offerings within, and CSPs a new framework for driving procurements and orienting current and potential future vendors.

Vendors referenced include: Amdocs, AWS, Ciena, Cisco, Ericsson, Huawei, HPE, IBM RedHat, Juniper, Keysight, Microsoft Azure, Netcracker, Netscout, Nokia, Oracle, Rhode &Schwarz, Spirent, Splunk and VMware.

, , , July 4, 202139promoted-reports splunk nas-data global-forecast report-lifecycle vendor module report-type
Network Automation Software Market Share (2023)

In the last few years, telecom has continued to be affected by seismic changes. The end of the pandemic is the start of a new kind of normal. Climate change and war in Ukraine has exacerbated concerns about energy costs. The march of hyperscale companies continues apace. Five years of hype in 5G is is coming home to roost.

How have these affected telecom operators’ spend on automation software – and who they spend with?

This new analysis of the telecom network automation software market provides market sizing and vendor market share estimates across multiple segments including:

  • Domain Management
  • Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management
  • AIOps
  • Service Orchestration
  • Network Data Management
  • Continuous Testing

As we stand on the brink of perhaps the most profoundly transformative change agent yet, AI, this report provides an insight into the readiness of telecom operators in reaching for the stars.

Vendors referenced include: Amdocs, AWS, Ciena, Cisco, Ericsson, Huawei, HPE, IBM Red Hat, Juniper, Keysight, Microsoft Azure, Netcracker, Netscout, Nokia, Oracle, Rakuten Symphony, Spirent, Splunk and VMware.

This extensive report is available free to subscribers to our NAS Market Data research module. For other access enquiries, contact adam.gibbs@appledorerg.com

, , , June 4, 202339promoted-reports module nas-data global-forecast report-lifecycle report-type
Network Automation Software Market Share (2024)

Telecom sneezed in 2022, and the telecom software market caught a cold. After decent growth in network automation software in 2022, 2023 was a year of – mostly – flat growth. That’s not to say there was no change in the market: one NAS segment continues its outstanding rise, and we continue to see leaders swapping places in our rankings, and new names breaking into our top 5s.

This new analysis of the telecom network automation software market provides market sizing and vendor market share estimates across multiple segments including:

  • Domain Management
  • Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management
  • AIOps
  • Service Orchestration
  • Network Data Management
  • Continuous Testing

For the first time we offer a regional analysis of NA Spend, with breakdowns by vendor.

We offer our view on the factors that shaped – and continue to shape – spend in these critical areas of spend for telcos aiming to get out of the doldrums and return to growth.

Vendors referenced include: Amdocs, AWS, Ciena, Cisco, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Huawei, HPE, IBM, Red Hat, Juniper, Keysight, Microsoft Azure, Netcracker, Netscout, Nokia, Oracle, Rakuten Symphony, ServiceNow, Spirent, Splunk and VMware.

This extensive report is available free to subscribers to our NAS Market Data research module. For other access enquiries, contact adam.gibbs@appledorerg.com

, , , July 11, 202440promoted-reports module nas-data global-forecast report-lifecycle report-type
Network Edge Cloud Opportunity

In this report we calculate the potential opportunity for public network edge cloud; compute infrastructure that is deployed locally within a network and is publicly available for others to consume. We believe our approach is unique in focusing on the whole market opportunity for edge cloud, driven by customer business drivers, rather than on specific known use cases.

 

, , , , , March 13, 202024edge-cloud module enterprise-networks digital-enablement global-forecast technology topic report-type
ngena SD-WAN

This in-depth document profiles ngena‘s SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.  We cover ngena’s technology, features, relative positioning, market evidence / success and also how they integrate into the broader operational environment to support automation.

This is one of a series of SD-WAN supplier profiles that Appledore is producing in 2018-2019.

Document is 28 pages long with features, positioning, differentiators, and analysis compared to our best practices.

, , , , , September 27, 201928module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles closed-loop-automation ngena topic report-type vendor
Nokia (ALU) CloudBand-The platform for NFVALU (now NOKIA) has focused its energy squarely on the core of virtualization software, covering the key segments as defined by ETSI. The CloudBand Suite is comprised of two products …, , March 22, 201611solution-profiles technology nokia report-type topic vendor
Nokia (ALU) Policy for the Telco CloudALU’s PCRF deployments have migrated from being dominated by “solution sales” as part of an entire RAN or EPC, to solutions where ALU’s policy technology is being overlaid on existing …, , , March 22, 201619telco-cloud solution-profiles model-driven-definition nokia topic report-type vendor
Nokia + Infinera: Scale & Growth

The proposal announced by Nokia to acquire Infinera would create a formidable IP + Optical player. Grant Lenahan examines the rationale for this deal and what it could mean for the market.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Automation and Orchestration research module (login required).

, , July 4, 20245automation-orchestration research-note nokia module report-type vendor
NOKIA Analyst Day – May, 2017

This document reports on Nokia analyst day 2017 in Nice France.

, , , June 1, 2017catalog-and-composition white-paper closed-loop-automation nokia topic report-type vendor
Nokia anyRAN

Originally announced at MWC2023, Nokia’s anyRAN offering promises parity performance to Nokia’s own pre-integrated RAN, but on any – that’s any – choice of platform (CPaaS, servers, hyperscale cloud), and with any RU.

It’s quite a claim, and in this short profile we assess Nokia’s progress with its anyRAN promise and offering.

This research note is free to subscribers to our Open RAN, Disaggregation and Ecosystems research module (login required). 

 

, , , , May 30, 20248promoted-reports disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem operator-strategies solution-profiles nokia report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Nokia Cloud & Network Services: Analyst Day 2023

Nokia Cloud and Network Services used the backdrop of the TM Forum’s Digital Transformation World to give invited analysts an update on the business unit’s market progress and product developments.

With some updated positioning, results from deployments, live demos and discussion with execs and specialists, the event offered plenty of opportunity to see how Nokia CNS is evolving. Topics covered include the new Enterprise Edge Charging offer, the AVA Data Suite, and Network as Code, as well as real-world results from its analytics collaborations with Google Cloud.

This Research Note provides insights from the day, and is essential reading for anyone looking for an up to date view of Nokia CNS capabilities and direction.

This report is free to access for subscribers to our Observability and Data Management Research, or our Digital Enablement Research.

, , , , September 29, 20239module observability-data-mgt digital-enablement operator-strategies research-note report-type
Nokia CNS: Analyst Day 2024

Nokia’s Cloud and Network Services (CNS) is a $3bn+ business unit, home to an extensive portfolio of network automation, analytics, security, charging & policy and network monetization software. As such, with a global customer base, including many enterprise customers, this BU’s strategy and outlook provides a valuable proxy for the priorities of CSPs.

This 16-page report starts by considering the impact of a recent (Spring 2024) change in leadership, and goes into detail on CNS’ market progress and road ahead, including their thinking on AI and GenAI, autonomous networks, security and more.

This research report is available free for subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration or AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research modules [login required].

 

, , , , , July 31, 20241premium-reports promoted-reports aiops-assurance-analytics automation-orchestration research-note nokia report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Nokia Core: Analyst Day Takeaways

Appledore was among a small group of analysts invited to an in-person briefing at Nokia’s Executive Experience Center in Espoo, following a well-attended User Group for its mobile core products.

The visit provided an extensive opportunity to hear about Nokia’s plans in mobile core, especially 5G Standalone, and about changes in the market during 2022. We were also shown a selection of live demonstrations showcasing real-world applications of several Nokia strategic themes, including SaaS and network-as-code.

This short Research Note will be of interest to anyone wanting to understand developments and changes within the 5G Mobile Core market, and/or the trajectory of one of the leading vendors.

This research is part of our Digital Enablement research module. Current subscribers can access the report here

, , November 3, 20225digital-enablement research-note nokia module report-type vendor
Nokia Deepfield

This document profiles Nokia Deepfield cloud and networks analytics platform.

, , , October 24, 201816continuous-improvement solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance nokia topic report-type vendor
Nokia Deepfield - A New Approach to Network AnalyticsIn this report, Appledore profiles Nokia’s ‘Deepfield” analytics solution. Nokia Deepfield is a network and cloud focused “insight” and analytics platform, acquired by Nokia in 2017. It identifies, maps and …, , , , , , , August 31, 202020ai-ops analytics security module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance nokia topic report-type vendor
Nokia Digital Operations Center

With recent organisational changes, Nokia has moved further into what Appledore considers a “post-OSS” era. Nokia Digital Operations is the latest name for an enlarged portfolio of existing and new software assets. We put that in context, and take a look at the heart of the portfoltio: the aptly-named Nokia Digital Operations Center.

For more on our coverage of Nokia (including free-to-view content), see here.

, , , , , , , , , , February 4, 20225ai-ops module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles catalog-and-composition closed-loop-automation inventory policy-driven-orchestration rapid-automated-service-assurance nokia topic vendor
Nokia FastMile

All the intelligence and automation in the world is for naught, if users can’t actually reach the network in the first place. Geography, topology and cold hard economics all contribute to making the last mile a critical yet hugely challenging part of a telecom operator’s business. The digital divide that has arisen between well-connected urban and underserved rural communities is both real and vital for operators and governments to address.

In this research note, we look at one example of a vendor innovating to address the technical and economic challenges of connecting remote, hard-to-reach locations: Nokia, with its FastMile 5Gmm receiver.

This research note is free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

 

, , , May 21, 20246promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note nokia report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Nokia FP4 routing chipsetThis research note covers Nokia’s new FP4 routing chip-set, with information provided at their product launch. It describes the chip, the new routers it enables, backward compatibility and the new …, , June 19, 20177solution-profiles technology nokia report-type topic vendor
Nokia Infobip Partnership

Nokia’s recent partnership with Infobip aims to create a global developer community to leverage the combined strengths of both companies’ API platforms. This collaboration is designed to facilitate the creation of telco network-powered applications, allowing developers to access a wide range of capabilities and services. The partnership has potentially important implications for the telecommunications industry, combining Nokia’s expertise in networking, including fixed networks, 5G and 4G with Infobip’s comprehensive CPaaS offerings. This report is based on insights gathered from: In this note we look at the background behind this announcement and what it might mean for CSPs contemplating introducing network APIs.

The report will be of interest to CSP CTOs who are considering Network API strategies.

This research is free to subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module (login required). 

, , , , June 18, 20246promoted-reports telco-cloud distributed-cloud-infra research-note nokia report-lifecycle topic module report-type vendor
Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome

The telecommunications industry stands at an important inflexion point. The rapid evolution of network technologies, coupled with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, has elevated security from a technical consideration to a C-suite imperative. Prevention, rather than remedy, has become the watchword, driven by potential liability, customer trust, and loyalty concerns.

Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome links this new security need and a focus on the telco market. Nokia’s  experience across transport and 5G mobile networks brings telco-specific expertise to the broader IT security space. NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome provides a platform to orchestrate threat detect and response . It has been designed as an “as-a-service” solution to offer the scalability that telecoms require, allowing for gradual adoption and expansion of security functionalities as networks and requirements grow.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module (current subscription and login required). 

, , , , , , , October 3, 202410edge-cloud promoted-reports security telco-cloud distributed-cloud-infra report-type solution-profiles nokia topic report-lifecycle module vendor
NOKIA Network Services Platform (NSP)Solution profile covering Nokia’s NSP – Nokia’s WAN-SDN solution, with extensive support for diverse underlying equipment technologies and closed-loop automation., , June 22, 2017solution-profiles policy-driven-orchestration nokia report-type topic vendor
Nokia Network Services Platform (NSP)

This profile documents the intent, strategy, execution, and benefits of Nokia’s NSP solution.  In particular, we look at its fit in the context of ideal next-generation operation of the “telco cloud” and its ability to contribute to high degrees of automation, closed-loop operation and agility.  We compare NSP to Appledore’s published recommendations and to general practice in the industry.

, , , , , , , , , August 28, 201920module automation-orchestration sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles closed-loop-automation inventory model-driven-definition policy-driven-orchestration rapid-automated-service-assurance nokia topic report-type vendor
Nokia Network-as-Code

The telecom industry has made several attempts to create APIs that will make tapping network capabilities as simple as adding a line of code to an application. But incremental revenue seems to have been largely captured instead by third parties, with limited revenue going to telcos. 5G may change things, and the GSMA’s Open Gateway and related Linux Foundation Camara effort are signs of fresh optimism.

Nokia’s Network as Code was launched against this backdrop. In this research note, we look at the NaC proposition, its relationship to a mature CPaaS market, and how Nokia is going about turning a revolutionary idea into revenue for its CSP partners.

This research is free to subscribers to our Open & Disaggregated Networks research (current subscribers can login here). 

, , January 29, 20247module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note report-type
Nokia Nuage Networks - SDWAN

[UPDATED MAY 2021] Nuage Networks is a business unit of Nokia and is one of the firms that originally commercialized SDN technology, initially for enterprise networking.  They have applied their SDN technology to enterprise datacenters/LANs, to NFV-I, and now to SD-WAN. With SD-WAN, Nuage primarily go to market via CSP partners.  In doing so they are showing synergies that benefit customers.

Unlike many others, Nuage is a purpose-built routing and networking platform, of which SD-WAN is one application.  This is important, because a) it puts Nuage in select company, and b) it means that Nuage supports all of the essential characteristics & benefit categories of SD-WAN, as Appledore define it.  Moreover, this means that they bring advanced routing and policy-driven security capabilities, and the ability to manage and secure across domains – potentially all the way from servers within an enterprise datacenter, through the WAN, into the public cloud, running natively, and even out to authorized mobile devices.  This end-to-end policy control and automation eliminates many potential performance and security holes.  Finally, it means that they can scale, both in software and in efficient traffic routing.

, , , , , May 29, 202024security module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles nokia topic report-type vendor
Nokia SaaS

In July 2022, Appledore was invited to attend an event cohosted by Nokia and the TM Forum on the topic of SaaS in Telecom. This was a good opportunity to hear from the leadership of a relatively new business line, as well as from multiple UK operators, on the topic of telecom SaaS. Nokia officially introduced Nokia SaaS to the market in November 2021.

This 6-page Research Note provides an introduction to Nokia SaaS and its positioning and significance for telecom CSPs, enterprises, and entrepreneurial developers.

, , July 18, 20226module operator-strategies research-note report-type
Nokia SR 7730 SXR and FPcx

One of the key announcements from Nokia’s 2023 SReXperts Americas event was the new SR 7730 router and FPcx chip. Grant Lenahan takes a look at the specs, explains the positioning and significance of these new offerings – and why they represent both a continuation of Nokia’s technical lineage, as well as a disruptive market innovation.

This report is essential reading for network strategy and architecture heads at CSPs, as well as for other suppliers of IP and Optical solutions.

Available free for subscribers to our Automation and Orchestration research module, or for one-off purchase below.

, , , September 25, 20238module automation-orchestration research-note nokia report-type vendor
Nokia SReXperts 2022: Debrief

Despite the increasing amount of airtime in telecom taken up with talking about software, telecom is still fundamentally reliant on the hardware that processes and routes vast amounts of bits around the network, in the most efficient, secure and intelligent way possible. Nokia’s annual SReXperts and Wavelength events offer a window into the innovation and progress that continues to be made to do just that, in the company’s IP and Optical network portfolio.

Appledore had privileged access to the 2022 event, and this extensive, in-depth Research Note calls out what we think are the most notable developments revealed at the show, from silicon to security. We offer our takeaways on what the SReXperts show revealed about Nokia’s strategy, and about how Nokia is responding to trends such as intent, open interfaces and automation.

This report is essential reading for network strategy and architecture heads at CSPs, as well as for other suppliers of IP and Optical solutions.

, , , October 11, 202212module automation-orchestration research-note nokia report-type vendor
Nokia SReXperts 2023: Debrief

Held in multiple regions, Nokia’s annual SReXperts series of events offers an in-depth, up-close look at the company’s latest innovations and strategy in IP and Optical.

At the main event in New Orleans, there was new silicon (which we cover in greater depth in a sister-Research Note), new routers, and more. We offer our takeaways on what the SReXperts show revealed about Nokia’s strategy in IP and Optical.

This report is essential reading for network strategy and architecture heads at CSPs, as well as for other suppliers of IP and Optical solutions.

This research is published as part of our Automation and Orchestration research module.

Existing subscribers can access it here

The report is available for one-off purchase below, or contact us for subscription or other enquiries. 

, , , September 25, 20237module automation-orchestration research-note nokia report-type vendor
Nokia Telco Cloud SolutionNokia is following a cloud agnostic approach, and supports multiple VIMs and Hypervisor layer software, provided by partners. It has demonstrated interoperability VMWare, EXSi, KVM and Redhat OpenStack and HP …, , , March 22, 201612telco-cloud solution-profiles technology nokia topic report-type vendor
Nokia Unified Inventory

This report has been superseded by a new version.

, , , March 23, 20237observability-data-mgt module solution-profiles nokia report-type vendor
Nokia Unified Inventory (2024 revision)

This updated solution profile on Nokia Unified Inventory assesses the product against Appledore’s Inventory Management Market Outlook (Nov 2022) which provides additional analysis of key players in inventory, their solutions, company, and market impact, with a uniquely Appledore Research perspective.

Unified Inventory is now a stand-alone product, a change from its original positioning. It is integrated with Nokia’s Digital Operations Center (Assurance Center, Orchestration Center, and Unified Inventory). For existing customers it is also integrated with FlowOne.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Network Data Management and Observability research module.

, , , July 30, 20249observability-data-mgt module solution-profiles nokia report-type vendor
Nokia-NVIDIA: AI RAN

Nokia and NVIDIA have teamed up to create an Open-RAN/vRAN edge platform and ecosystem that delivers accelerated RAN performance as well as supporting advanced industrial AI workloads at the edge (example: machine vision/recognition). This is an instance of Nokia’s commitment to “anyRAN”, announced at last year’s MWC Barcelona (February 2023).

In this research note we look at how this collaboration works, and the implications and possibilities for AI at the network edge.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Disaggregated Networks, Open RAN and Ecosystems research module (login required). 

, , , May 30, 20246promoted-reports disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
Nokia/Red Hat Partnership

The June 2023 announcement by Nokia and Red Hat is a powerful demonstration of how the telecom supplier landscape is evolving in response to the impact, opportunities and challenges of cloud economics. We look at the announcement and its implications for both companies, CSPs, and the wider market.

This research note is available free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration, or Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management research modules. 

, , , , , July 24, 20237promoted-reports module automation-orchestration distributed-cloud-infra research-note nokia report-lifecycle report-type vendor
NTIA RIC Forum

In April 2024 the US government’s NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) convened its first RIC Forum, a conference on the next steps to delivering the Open RAN RIC. The forum invited presentations and demonstrations with a focus on two particular use cases (energy management, and traffic steering) and giving priority to those demonstrating practical applications in both commercial and US DoD contexts.

This Research Note provides summaries and commentary from the three-day event, which featured 18 different presentations and demonstrations from major open RAN players such as AT&T, Mavenir, Capgemini, Juniper, Viavi, Microsoft as well as specialists, and industry bodies such as the Telecom Infra Project, and the Open Networking Foundation.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Disaggregation and Open RAN research module (login required). 

, , , April 24, 202411promoted-reports open-ran disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note report-lifecycle topic module report-type
Nuage and Asavie

Nuage and Asavie – Extending SDWAN to Mobile Devices

Appledore have argued that one of SDWAN’s great values is the automation of security, and therefore reducing or eliminating the most common vulnerabilities – configuration errors and therefore security holes, left by human error.  This new partnership greatly extends that security automation, to any edge devices connected to mobile networks, while simplifying the user experience.  At the same time, this strengthens Nuage’s offer, and increases the value proposition and revenues that CSPs can address with their managed SDWAN solutions (their “TAM”).

, , , , , May 15, 20208security module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles nokia topic report-type vendor
O2 Telefonica Germany, AWS, and Nokia 5G Core

O2 Telefónica Germany’s program to migrate one million mobile customers to a Nokia 5G SA Core running on AWS infrastructure is a watershed in the adoption of public cloud by brownfield operators.

Even more significant is how AWS innovated to meet Germany’s stringent data privacy and security requirements.

This report explains the journey of this ground-breaking implementation and the significance for the industry.

This report is free courtesy of AWS. 

, , , , July 29, 20249promoted-reports telco-cloud distributed-cloud-infra aws research-note report-lifecycle topic module vendor report-type
Observability and Openness: Culture & Technology in Programmable Networks

“Often prescriptions on changing culture can be seen as “too hard” and ignored”

Observability is an important first step in allowing automation, security and innovation in the cloud-native network. It is also an important corrective step in enabling telcos to fully benefit from virtualization and cloud-based network solutions. However, openness with collaboration is a critical second step in allowing insights gained from that observability to both scale and deliver quickly. Sharing of data, insights, and solutions across the cloud-native network supply chain supporting all data-intensive processes, including security and the network software lifecycle.

This report looks at how openness and a culture of sharing both data and insights will be a driver of success with cloud-native telcos. This report identifies practical steps that telcos (and their vendors) can take to adopt openness. It is aimed at decision-makers in CSPs and their vendors who are adopting cloud and cloud-native approaches for networks, the cloud-native telco. The report looks at the need for openness (open-source principles and collaboration), on top of observability, in making this change. Interested readers should also see the sister report: observability beyond telemetry.

This research is available to subscribers to our Observability & Data Management module. 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , October 2, 20239network-data-management observability observability-data-mgt research-note topic module report-type
Observability in the 5G Network

Assuring service performance and delivery in a modern cloud-native network requires more real-time data capture and analysis. It also demands a wider scan of the network infrastructure, as services no longer run in a single network domain but instead across many technology domains. The service chain itself could be hundreds of microservices distributed across multiple cloud providers. Observability is the knowledge of how multiple domains perform at any given time. Each of the network domain outputs is a credible source of understanding of how well the overall service is performing.

In this whitepaper, Appledore looks at how observability is critical to the successful delivery of 5G networks and how Netscout is enabling this.

, , , , , , , , , May 27, 202212netscout-vendor 5g edge-cloud ai-ops open-ran network-data-management observability module observability-data-mgt white-paper vendor topic report-type
Observability: Beyond Telemetry

“Telcos should have a clear strategy for observability in their cloud-native networks.”

Observability will be critical to business success from the modern cloud-native network. Observability is more than “telemetry 2.0”. Enabling a data-driven and API-exposed network (CPaaS), it also drives automation and autonomy in the network, driven by business policy or even AI. It supports the Lifecycle Management (LCM) of the cloud network. It supports innovation in the network, with applications such as the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). It supports business success allowing a telco to understand if a network service is profitable. Most critically it supports strong security in the network.

But all of this is only achievable with a fundamental shift in the way CSPs manage telemetry data from the network.

In this report, Appledore looks at the practical need for observability, and the consequences of not having full observability in the cloud-native network. The key takeaway is that telcos should have a clear strategy for observability in their cloud-native network and the steps to achieve this change. However, this change can be evolutionary and is practically achievable by all telcos.

This research is available to subscribers to our Observability & Data Management module. 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , September 12, 20239network-data-management observability observability-data-mgt research-note topic module report-type
ONAP Market Impact

Analysis of ONAP, its status, potential impact on the marketplace, and recommendations for Service Provides and Suppliers.

, April 30, 201822market-outlook policy-driven-orchestration report-type topic
Open RAN Ecosystems

For Open RAN to succeed, it must find a way to reconcile the additional complexity that it introduces with mobile operators’ need for a manageable number of options, and for end-to-end management – especially of performance. These remain strong selling points for providers of conventional RAN.

The emergence of ecosystems of vendors is a key sign that the Open RAN community is responding to this challenge. In this extensive market outlook we review what considerations are shaping these ecosystems, how different ecosystems emphasize different aspects of the RAN (and Open RAN) challenge, and call out the most notable examples in market today – anchored by the likes of NTT, NEC, Rakuten Symphony, Samsung, Nokia, Mavenir, Dell, Intel, AWS, Azure.

Scroll down to see the Table of Contents.

This research is free to subscribers to our Open & Disaggregated Networks research module (login required). 

 

, , , , July 29, 202439promoted-reports open-ran module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem market-outlook report-lifecycle topic report-type
Open RAN Leadership

Appledore believes the mobile telecom industry is on an open RAN trajectory. In this report, we look at the Open RAN leadership and the standards ecosystems that have already formed or are being formed. Ecosystems which, by definition, we believe will have greatest influence on the speed of transition to Open RAN. This report complements our analysis of the value of Open RAN for operators in our Open RAN Value Market Outlook.

, , , , , , April 12, 2021225g promoted-reports open-ran module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note technology topic report-lifecycle report-type
Open RAN Value

Open RAN seems to be defining the future trajectory for mobile networks. But CSPs and vendors still need to be clear and robust about where exactly the business benefits will lie in a disaggregated, open radio access network architecture. This 24-page report spells out the business rationale behind breaking out new interfaces within the RAN – and where CSPs will need to factor in additional areas of cost before they see overall benefits.

, , , , , April 12, 2021245g open-ran module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem market-outlook technology topic report-type
Operationalizing Mass Market SatComs

The emergence of low-cost, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites introduces a new way to address the problem of connecting hard-to-connect locations – such as oceans and remote areas. But translating that technical capability into an operational business model also needs considerable innovation on the supporting systems that conventional telcos rely on.

In this whitepaper, developed in partnership with Netcracker, Appledore how the operational needs of satellite comms (and LEO operators in particular) differ fundamentally from conventional telecom OSS and BSS, explores the implications for operators, and looks at how Netcracker’s Digital Satellite Solution and overall approach addresses the challenges.

This whitepaper is available as a free download, courtesy of Netcracker. 

Appledore subscribers can also access the whitepaper directly (no download) via their Automation & Orchestration or Operator Strategies & Vision research subscriptions (login required).

, , , , , July 22, 202410promoted-reports automation-orchestration operator-strategies other-reports white-paper netcracker report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Optiva

Optiva is a provider of BSS and real-time charging systems to telecom operators. Since its founding as Redknee almost 25 years ago, it has evolved significantly with both organic and inorganic growth periods, attracting a notable base of telco customers. Today, it is a reconfigured, more streamlined, focused vendor, with a distinct proposition in the BSS market.

Principal Analyst John Abraham profiles the company and its solution as part of our Digital Enablement research module.

This report is available free, courtesy of Optiva. Registration details will only be used for download will not be shared with any third party. 

, , August 21, 202312promoted-reports digital-enablement solution-profiles report-lifecycle module report-type
Oracle - Automation in MANO

This document provides an extensive profile of Oracle’s Service and Network Orchestration solution, with an emphasis on how it is designed to implement automation, especially closed-loop healing, scaling and optimization at scale.  It is the result of several in-depth briefings and significant analysis.

, , July 6, 201714solution-profiles policy-driven-orchestration oracle report-type topic vendor
Oracle Analyst Event, 2024

At a two-day event at held at Oracle’s Redwood HQ, Oracle provided a comprehensive update to analysts on its strategy. Of particular relevance to Appledore customers is the work of the Oracle Communications business unit alongside vertical business units, as well as Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. AI and GenAI featured strongly. Patrick Kelly provides the summary and key takeaways in this 11-page research note.

This research is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module (login required).

, , , , , , April 29, 202411ai-ops analytics premium-reports promoted-reports research-note report-type oracle topic report-lifecycle vendor
Oracle Communications Business Update

Oracle Communications provided a mid-year update on its market progress. In this Research Note we summarize the developments and offer our own, independent commentary on the significance for Oracle, its customers and competitors.

This profile is available to subscribers to our Digital Enablement, Automation & Orchestration, and Observability and Data Management research modules.

, , , , , , August 4, 20234promoted-reports module automation-orchestration observability-data-mgt digital-enablement solution-profiles oracle report-lifecycle report-type vendor
Oracle Communications Industry Labs

Oracle, along with the likes of ServiceNow, Salesforce, Microsoft or Dell, HPE (and a growing number of analytics and AI firms), is a good example of a major IT supplier for whom telecom is only a fraction of its business. Not only that, but there are several industry segments in which it is the leading provider of industry-specific application software.

This Research Note provides our independent perspective on how Oracle’s telecom business unit is combining with its applications and other business units to address the needs and opportunities for telecom within industry verticals.

This report is available to subscribers (login required) to our Digital Enablement, Observability and Data Management or Strategy & Vision research modules.

, , , , , , November 15, 20235promoted-reports module observability-data-mgt digital-enablement operator-strategies solution-profiles oracle report-lifecycle report-type vendor
Oracle in Telecom: A New Perspective

Despite Oracle already being one of the best-known brands in the world, we think that their last 2-3 years or so in the telecom space warrants a closer look. Something has been quietly going on in Oracle Communications, and how telecom regards it could be due a reboot.

This 8-page Research Note offers a new perspective on Oracle’s position in telecom, highlighting organizational and other developments that provide evidence of Oracle’s fresh new ambition – and heading – in telecom.

, , August 5, 20228module operator-strategies research-note report-type
Oracle Policy for the Telco CloudOracle has a single set of policy/rule technology that it adapts and applies to various domains (e.g.; traditional 3GPP PCRF vs. MANO). As in most of its products, Oracle separates …, , , March 22, 201616telco-cloud solution-profiles model-driven-definition oracle topic report-type vendor
Oracle Unified Inventory & Topology

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on the inventory management market.  This profile focuses on Oracle’s Unified Inventory Management and Topology solution, part of Oracle’s wider portfolio of business and operations support offerings.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Network Data Management and Observability research module.

Note: Existing subscribers can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , , March 14, 20239module observability-data-mgt solution-profiles oracle report-type vendor
Orchestrated Innovation: Inmanta

Service providers need extra sophistication to enhance their offerings to customers, but that the added complexity this brings tends to slow the rate at which they actually bring new offerings to market. In this 15-page paper, we explore the concept of “Orchestrated Innovation” as a way for CSPs to resolve this conflict, and profile a vendor that is realizing the concept with real-world deployments of its innovative platform: Inmanta.

Anyone with an interest in service orchestration, automation or innovation should read this paper for a new perspective on all three.

Note that this report is FREE to download, courtesy of Inmanta. However, your registration details will not be shared.

, , , , October 5, 202115promoted-reports service-orchestration module automation-orchestration white-paper report-lifecycle topic report-type
Original NFV Concept White Paper from 2012 OpenFlow World CongressThis is placed on the site as a courtesy to our subscribers.  This is the original NFV concept paper, written by representatives from 13 CSPs at the 2012 SDN & …, , March 17, 2017white-paper etsi policy-driven-orchestration report-type vendor topic
OXIO - Telecom as a Service

Cloud, open APIs and advanced analytics are enabling some genuinely new business models involving telecom. OXIO is an example of this new generation of cloud-savvy entrepreneurs fusing aspects of conventional telecom with cloud infrastructure to explore (and exploit) a potential new market space: telecom as a service.

In this profile we assess where OXIO is positioned, relative to other business models like MVNO, MVNE, and even relative to some of the latest offerings from telecom vendors in the NaaS/Network-as-Code/Network APIs space.

This research is free courtesy of OXIO – click here to access

, , June 7, 20245digital-enablement other-reports solution-profiles module report-type
Policy in the Telco Cloud Supplier Market AnalysisThis report surveys the State of the Art from the perspective of suppliers’ offerings. A.R.G. invited a wide range of suppliers including established NEPs and IT technology firms, to policy …, March 22, 2016113market-outlook models-and-reference-data report-type topic
Positioning for an AI Future

When the dust at OpenAI finally settles (or the revolving doors to the CEO’s office stop turning), how will the AI landscape have changed – and who will be shaping the future of the industry?

This research note is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance or Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

, , , , November 22, 20236promoted-reports module aiops-assurance-analytics operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Predictive Analytics and GenAI: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

A wonder-tool for sure, but it’s necessary to put GenAI into context before deciding which jobs it’s the right tool for. In this research note John Abraham and Grant Lenahan explore some background concepts to help explain GenAI in the context of adjacent uses of AI and Machine Learning in telecom. By way of example, they highlight briefly how three major suppliers to telcos – Microsoft, Amdocs and Nokia – are evolving their strategies in light of GenAI’s remarkable capabilities.

Given the significance of the topic, this research is published across multiple research modules: existing subscribers can access it via AIOps, Assurance, Analytics Research; Automation & Orchestration or Digital Enablement research modules.

, , , , September 15, 202310aiops-assurance-analytics automation-orchestration digital-enablement research-note report-type module
Preparing for Edge Cloud

Existing cloud economics is fundamentally based on maximizing multi-tenancy of compute, whilst minimizing the cost of that compute through operational scale.  Edge Cloud by definition cannot have the same levels of operational scale with many smaller compute capabilities. Edge Cloud as it becomes more localized also has less demand driving multi-tenancy. The added costs of edge cloud need to command a premium for latency and/or communication cost reduction that is not provided by existing public cloud.

In this market outlook, we focus on the underlying economics of edge cloud:

  • Why: reasons and cost model
  • Where: the options and economics of where will edge be deployed
  • Who: the possible players and their business models for edge
  • What: we focus on what is the total opportunity for edge (and avoid the “what are the specific use cases?” – we can’t know)

We outline our definitions and methodology for assessing the edge cloud marketplace. We also look at the key changes that are required to make the successful economic case for edge cloud to be closer to the enterprise or consumer. We believe our approach is unique in focusing on the whole market opportunity for edge cloud, rather than on specific known use cases.

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

WHAT IS EDGE CLOUD?

EDGE CLOUD COST COMPARISON MODEL

EDGE CLOUD DEMAND DRIVERS

APPLEDORE EDGE BUSINESS LOCATIONS

EDGE CLOUD APPLICATION TAXONOMY

SUMMARY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

, , , , December 11, 2019225g edge-cloud module enterprise-networks market-outlook topic report-type
Preparing Telecommunication Operations For Cloud Native Virtual Network FunctionsThis white paper provides a view of the multi-phased evolution from today’s operations to the structure necessary to reap the benefits from cloud-native networks and NFVs.  It is an essential …, , April 10, 2017white-paper closed-loop-automation vmware report-type topic vendor
Principles of Autonomous Networks, Part 1

The path to autonomous networks unquestionably relies on a number of new technologies: cloud, containerized network functions, and machine learning all have an enbaling part to play. But successfully leveraging these to achieve autonomous networks and operations depends on an overarching strategy and set of principles.

In this comprehensive report, Appledore sets out not only the underlying new principles, but also the eight best practices that service providers must adopt on the path to network autonomy. These also have implications and opportunities for suppliers to telcos.

The document offers a definitive architectural blueprint for an autonomous network, and will be both a reference guide for architects and strategists, and a way for the telco C-suite to put the dazzling array of breakthrough technologies into a business strategy.

A free extract is provided for a sample of the extensive insights and perspective that this report contains. 

The full report is available free to subscribers to our Automation and Orchestration research module.

, , , , , , , , , , , , June 11, 202442module automation-orchestration 5g edge-cloud promoted-reports telco-cloud service-orchestration report-type sd-wan-sdn market-outlook closed-loop-automation policy-driven-orchestration technology topic report-lifecycle
Principles of Autonomous Networks, Part 2: Brownfield Evolution

For most operators, the question is not whether to start moving towards autonomous networks, but how. Specifically, how to manage the evolution of today’s networks and operations (brownfield) into radically different versions.

Part 1 in this series introduced the eight best practices as a blueprint for the end state. In this companion analysis, we set out the route map for how to manage the evolution to the future. The report offers recommendations not only for CSPs, but also for vendors aiming to position their solutions as enablers for achieving new levels of network automation and autonomy.

The document offers a definitive routemap and guidance points for the journey to autonomous networks, and will be both a reference guide for architects and strategists, as well as a way for the telco C-suite to understand its vital role in this era-defining transformation.

Scroll down for the full table of contents.

The full report is available free to subscribers to our Automation and Orchestration research module.

, , , , , , , , , , , , September 10, 202432module automation-orchestration 5g edge-cloud promoted-reports telco-cloud service-orchestration report-type sd-wan-sdn market-outlook closed-loop-automation policy-driven-orchestration technology topic report-lifecycle
RADCOM Automated Assurance and Active Intelligence

RADCOM provides automated assurance solutions to tier-1 CSPs in North America, Asia, and Europe. This profile focuses on RADCOM’s ACE assurance platform.

This report is free to download. Appledore does not share download or registration details with any third party. 

, , , , , , December 30, 20226ai-ops analytics module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles closed-loop-automation rapid-automated-service-assurance topic report-type
Rakuten Symphony End-to-End Service Assurance

Rakuten Symphony has rapidly established itself as a fully-fledged supplier to the global telecom industry, backing up its disruptive vision of cloud-native networks with the software required to plan, build and operate them at scale, automatically: Symworld. In September 2022, it unveiled its offering for end-to-end Service Assurance, together with data points from several years of live operation at Rakuten Mobile.

In this profile, we assess what Symphony Service Assurance is, and how it makes possible some radical ideas about how to assure services – not only for cloud-native networks.

This profile is essential reading for:

  • CSPs with an interest in evolving their assurance to respond to new operational and customer challenges.
  • Suppliers in the service assurance market including fault management, performance management, configuration management.
  • Systems Integrators in network automation software (NAS)

Independently researched by Appledore analysts, this download is free, courtesy of Rakuten Symphony. Details used for download from the Appledore website will not be shared. 

, , , , , , , October 5, 2022135g ai-ops rakuten-symphony network-data-management module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance topic vendor report-type
Rakuten Symphony Symops Cloud Observability

In this profile, we look at how one company, Rakuten Symphony, is building a new type of data platform, one that can support the movement of CSPs from physical networks to one fundamentally on the cloud.

“When you have to make real-time decisions, you need the information to be 100% correct and you want information to be live”

Observability in general is now a well-trodden path in hyperscale cloud. Observability in the context of a telecom-focused infrastructure is barely charted. By proving the observability framework at scale in Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Symphony is in the vanguard of enabling this change in telcos.

Symworld Cloud Observability provides a cloud-enabled, cloud-neutral solution, for telemetry data management that is already proven in a Rakuten Mobile in Japan. Symworld Observability Framework is a critical part of the data infrastructure of the Symworld platform and provides a single environment for the consistent management of telemetry data from the Rakuten network cloud.

Independently researched by Appledore analysts, this download is free, courtesy of Rakuten Symphony. Details used for download from the Appledore website will not be shared. 

, , , , , , , June 6, 2022125g rakuten-symphony network-data-management observability module observability-data-mgt solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance topic vendor report-type
Rakuten Symphony's 1&1 Update

Squeezing in between TM Forum’s Digital Transformation World and MWC Las Vegas, Rakuten’s annual Optimism event might not have received the attention it deserved from the telecom community. But make no mistake: the update on Germany’s 1&1 offered important new insights on Rakuten Symphony’s progress in enabling telecom industry disruption beyond its native Japan.

In conversation with Symphony CEO Tareq Amin, Chief Revenue Officer Rabih Dabbousi, 1&1 CEO Michael Martin gave new details of 1&1’s progress and thinking on key aspects of its plans.

As well as highlighting achievements to date at 1&1, the discussion offered insights into industry-wide concerns including security and energy optimization.

, , , , September 29, 20229rakuten-symphony module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem other-reports research-note vendor report-type
Rakuten Symphony's Customer Experience Center

Appledore attended the official launch of the Rakuten Symphony Open RAN Experience Center, at Weybridge, Surrey, UK on 28th March 2023.

Part test center, part showcase, this new facility is an impressive addition to the company’s efforts to take its technology and partner ecosystem to a global market.

In this research note we look at the context and drivers behind Rakuten’s new facility.

This research note is available free to subscribers to our Disaggregation, Open RAN and Ecosystems research module.

Note: Subscription clients can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker, or contact us with any queries. 

, , , March 30, 20234rakuten-symphony module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note vendor report-type
Rakuten Symworld Inventory

In this profile, we look at how Rakuten Symphony has built a new type of data platform, a platform with an inventory that can support the movement of CSPs from physical networks to fully cloud-native.

Symworld Inventory provides a cloud-enabled, cloud-neutral solution, for network topology that is already proven at Rakuten Mobile in Japan.

“Rakuten is putting a single inventory at the heart of every operational process”

Rakuten Symworld Inventory, part of the Symworld platform, is a modern inventory solution that supports the need of recording the physical state of the network and the ever-changing logical state of the network through time. However, unlike many current OSS today, in Symworld everything goes through a single common inventory. Inventory touches every module in the Symworld platform. This is a subtle, but significant change in the role of the inventory in OSS.

Independently researched by Appledore analysts, this download is free, courtesy of Rakuten Symphony. Details used for download from the Appledore website will not be shared. 

, , , , , , June 6, 2022125g rakuten-symphony network-data-management module observability-data-mgt solution-profiles inventory topic vendor report-type
Rakuten's OSS Reboot

As part of a much larger group of digital services companies, Rakuten Symphony has more access than most to AI know-how and the all-important data. It is now leveraging that expertise and technology, together with OpenAI, to “reinvent telecom”.

In this Research Note, we preview Rakuten AI, in the context of a revamped OSS strategy and portfolio.

This research note is free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research. Authorized users can access the report from here (login required). 

, , , February 22, 20249promoted-reports rakuten-symphony operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle vendor module report-type
Rapid Automated Service Assurance

This is Appledore Research Group’s major “framework” report on automated, next-generation assurance. It complements “The Role of Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks” and serves ad the foundation for many profiles and future documents.

, January 10, 2017market-outlook rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type topic
RCR Wireless Live! Telco Reinvention Roundup

RCR Wireless took its Live! series to London, exploring the reinvention of telcos with a full day’s worth of A-list speakers. Francis Haysom provides his takeaways from across the wide range of topics covered.

You can also hear Robert Curran and Francis Haysom discussing the event on the Appledore podcast

Note: Existing subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision module can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , , , May 16, 20235promoted-reports enterprise-networks disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
Real Time Analytics Applied to Telecommunication MarketThe report provides market data and analysis on the use of streaming analytics also known as real time intelligence and its use in improving the customer experience. Our findings suggest …, , March 22, 201662analytics market-outlook rapid-automated-service-assurance topic report-type
Real-time network topology

In this updated paper, we look at the evolution of Oracle’s approach to the management of real time network topology.

Oracle has traditionally focused on inventory to support the order to cash fulfilment-centric processes. Now with its acquisition of Federos, it can provide an integrated inventory platform, capable of supporting fault to resolution assurance-centric processes, a stepping stone on the road to network autonomy. The Oracle inventory platform will provide a real-time federation of the network from existing management system data and data taken directly from devices.. This provides a foundation on which AI/ML assurance intelligence can be built, making it an enabler for the transformation of network assurance and analytics for a telco, an enterprise, or their customers.

CSPs require an evolutionary approach to adopting cloud native networks and their automated operational approach. Federation, the aggregation of existing data and systems, is a key enabler of an evolutionary approach to network transformation and automation. It allows CSPs, with existing multivendor networks and hybrid physical and virtual networks, to gain a single view of the network and forms the basis for Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) on top of the real world network.

This Appledore paper is free to download, courtesy of Oracle. Registration details will not be shared. 

, , , , , , May 31, 202210module observability-data-mgt white-paper closed-loop-automation inventory rapid-automated-service-assurance oracle report-type topic vendor
Red Hat - Telco Cloud Management with open source

Red Hat is bridging the gap between the potential benefits of open source cloud native applications, and the operational reality of telecommunication networks. It examines Red Hat’s offerings and its value for the telecommunications sector, providing a detailed analysis of the potential benefits and challenges associated with their solutions.

Red Hat is a key player in telecom’s shift to cloud-native architectures, 5G, and edge computing. With a strong open source foundation and deep partnerships, Red Hat is well-positioned to address the challenges telcos face in digital transformation. Its dedicated telecom engineering team and focus on Red Hat OpenShift and Red Hat OpenStack Services on OpenShift are crucial for driving modernization across the infrastructure, from DC to Edge.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module (current subscription and login required). 

, , , , , , , , September 24, 202412edge-cloud promoted-reports telco-cloud distributed-cloud-infra cicdct report-type solution-profiles ibm technology topic report-lifecycle module vendor
Reinventing Telco - Innovating beyond technology

“Telco saved us during Covid, but it has not changed the dial for the telco.”

A common theme is emerging across most of the telco events Appledore attends. Lots of patting on the back for a good job done in Covid. Lots of talk about the challenging profitability of telco and the commoditization of its major services. Plenty of talk about innovation and transformation, but limited evidence of anything that really changes the dial for CSPs: a slightly better core and a slightly better, slightly more flexible, lower-cost RAN, but doing something different is missing.

Similarly, there is hope for new opportunities from cloud-based networks, cloud-native applications, and AI. Lots of desire to become relevant to enterprises with new private networks. However, most CSP projects in this area remain either science projects or where the enterprise application value remains stuck in delivering connectivity.

In all these areas there is a disconnect between what is painted as a huge opportunity for telco and actual progress on the ground. An industry that is involved in lots of small projects, but no sense of how this business scales. An industry still waiting for the new killer use case.

This research takes this “industry in the doldrums” narrative and tries to offer some answers as to what telco innovation could really be. It looks at the need for increased clarity of the role that telcos can take, both individually and combined with others in addressing customer problems.

This report is available for single copy purchase below or FREE for subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research (login required). 

, , June 29, 20238module operator-strategies research-note report-type
Research Note: A Better Architecture for DDoS

DDoS and other techniques to execute ransomware are on the rise, costing everyone from individuals to huge enterprises significant cost, inconvenience and lost revenues. For CSPs, the rise is stressing today’s cost equation. But Appledore believes that cyber security in general, and DDoS/ransomware protection in particular, still presents service providers with a large and realistic opportunity to grow and diversify revenues. This Research Note proposes an as-a-Service architecture for CSPs’ cybersecurity offerings.

In this 10+ page report, we offer a new and independent analysis of the increased threat from DDoS, and on how to address it. Our analysis references real world results shared recently by Nokia Deepfield and Nokia Bell Labs.

, , , , , August 2, 202113premium-reports promoted-reports security research-note report-type nokia report-lifecycle topic vendor
Research Note: Amdocs to Acquire MYCOM OSI

“Amdocs makes a smart buy in acquiring MYCOM OSI and catapults itself into the automated assurance market, giving it a viable path to network autonomy”- Patrick Kelly 

Amdocs announced on May 24, 2022, that it intends to acquire MYCOM OSI a private supplier of service assurance solutions for $188 Million in an all-cash deal.

Amdocs is sending a clear signal to the market that it intends to provide the full suite of solutions necessary to automate operations in telecommunication networks. With Mycom OSI, Amdocs gains credibility in the network and service assurance market. Mycom OSI also complements the broader solution focused on customer experience. 

In this 4-page Research Note, we look at the implications of this acquisition for CSPs and vendors alike. The report looks at the market impact on assurance vendors like Netscout, Infovista, TEOCO and Accedian. As well as the opportunities and challenges for full suite OSS competitors like Netcracker and Oracle.

, , , , , , , May 26, 20224ai-ops analytics module aiops-assurance-analytics research-note amdocs closed-loop-automation rapid-automated-service-assurance topic report-type vendor
Research Note: NEC Center of Excellence UK

“NEC is aiming to solve three fundamental challenges in the market today for Open RAN. Reduce complexity, validate performance, and provide carrier-grade stability” – Patrick Kelly 

Appledore Research visited the NEC Open RAN Center of Excellence in London on May 12, 2022. 

The London CoE is one of six NEC CoEs around the globe. The others are focused on Radio (in Japan, India, and the US) and IP & Transport networks (in Turkey and Brazil). As such, NEC’s CoE is no mere lab, but a genuine hub for global knowledge sharing, based on its active open RAN projects as well as supporting the market introduction of new offerings (or new partnerships). The team at the CoE is expanding rapidly and is currently home to around seventy-five staff. The CoE site is dedicated to supporting the full Open RAN lifecycle, from pre-release product testing all the way through to live, in production sites. 

In this 8-page Research Note, we look in detail at the NEC lab and NEC’s strong ambition to lead the validation of truly open disaggregated Open RAN solutions.

, , , , , , , May 26, 202285g edge-cloud ai-ops open-ran nec module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note topic vendor report-type
Research Note: NWDAF

As 5G deployments take hold, NWDAF brings us closer to realizing a new era of automation and insights that the industry has been foreshadowing for the past decade. At the same time NWDAF will disrupt the classic service assurance market.

In this 6-page Research Note we look at what NWDAF is, and summarize the offerings from suppliers including Amdocs, Ericsson, Huawei, Guavus, InfoVista, NEC, Netscout, Nokia, Rakuten Symphony, Samsung, Sandvine, Spirent and Viavi. 

, , , , , , , , , April 11, 202265g edge-cloud ai-ops huawei open-ran module aiops-assurance-analytics research-note report-type iot topic vendor
Research Note: Private Networks Snapshot

This Research Note reviews Arden Media’s Private Networks Forum event from May 2021, with Appledore commentary and analysis on themes and presentations from a range of companies including Altiostar, Bosch, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, Ford, Google Cloud, Mavenir, Radisys, Viavi and Vodafone.

, , , , May 26, 20218module enterprise-networks research-note report-type iot topic
Research Note: Spectrum-as-a-Service

This Research Note provides an overview of the concept of spectrum-as-a-service, and a short profile of Federated Wireless, a leader in this field with a platform enabling novel commercial opportunities for telcos and other players such as neutral hosts and towercos.

, , , , , , , January 13, 202245g edge-cloud open-ran module operator-strategies research-note report-type iot topic
Research Note: Swisscom's Enterprise Architecture Evolution

This profile of Swisscom shows how they have evolved their enterprise architecture successively through generations, ultimately establishing a modern framework for supporting a future as a digital services provider (DSP).

, , , April 28, 20215module enterprise-networks research-note report-type
Research Note: TelecomTV's DSP Leaders Summit

“The industry should pat itself on the back for a job well done. However…” – Francis Haysom

TelecomTV’s annual Digital Service Providers (DSP) Leaders event gathers the great and the good from across the industry to talk turkey in a more intimate setting, but was the mood of self-congratulation shared? Appledore was there to join the discussion.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , , June 17, 202285g edge-cloud ai-ops open-ran module operator-strategies research-note topic report-type
Research Note: Vodafone Moves Assurance to the Cloud with Cardinality

“The deployment by Vodafone of Cardinality, on the Google Cloud Platform, is a significant industry development” – Francis Haysom

Appledore sat down with Prashant Kumar, CTO of Cardinality.io, at Futurenet World in May 2022. We discussed their strategy and their recent successful deployment of a pan-European network performance platform at Vodafone on the Google Cloud Platform.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , , , June 22, 202285g edge-cloud ai-ops google module aiops-assurance-analytics research-note vodafone topic vendor report-type
Research Note: Wind River Acquired by Aptiv

This Research Note provides initial analysis and commentary on the acquisition of Wind River by Aptiv.

, , , , , , , , January 12, 202245g edge-cloud open-ran wind-river module distributed-cloud-infra research-note report-type iot topic vendor
SD-WAN Drives new CSP Enterprise Opportunity

This report covers the market for SD-WAN and its direction, with sizing, segments, leading suppliers, leading CSPs, and the trasnformational affect SD-WAN is likely to have on CSPs and how they operate their enterprise businesses. It is a must read for a wide range of industry professionals, and the first in a series Appledore will publish.

, , , , , January 14, 201996module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn market-outlook closed-loop-automation policy-driven-orchestration topic report-type
SD-WAN for Enterprise

This is the 3rd “major” report in Appledore’s extensive coverage of SDWAN, and the evolution to the “Dynamic Enterprise Edge”. It is written from the perspective of how enterprises can leverage SD-WAN technology, how to evaluate SD-WAN technology, and SD-WAN MSP suppliers.   In particular, it takes a look at whether CSPs (“telcos”) are at a turning point and will be able to offer a library of on-demand “Dynamic Enterprise Edge” services – a promise which, if delivered upon, could be very valuable to enterprises large AND small.

We believe this to be the most complete, technically literate and meaningful document of its kind and should be a must read for enterprises and those selling to enterprises.

 

, , , , , August 22, 201945module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn market-outlook closed-loop-automation policy-driven-orchestration topic report-type
SDWAN & The Enterprise Edge

SDWAN and the Enterprise Edge takes an up to date look at the dynamics in the SDWAN market. It includes market sizing and market share analysis for a range of vendors. Detailed profiles of leading operators and their SDWAN strategies are also included. The report calls out the continuing confusion in the market about what SDWAN is, and what it could and should be.

This report offers important insights to a wide range of industry professionals, including:

  • CSPs: SD-WAN product managers wanting to get a better handle on growth potential and areas for differentiation and product roadmap
  • CSPs: “Head of Enterprise Business” (or similar), who want to understand trends and potential particularly in regard to standalone SD-WAN for customers vs Managed Services offer
  • Product Managers at SD-WAN Technology vendors: looking for differentiation and feature growth opportunities.
  • Corp Strategy/Partnership teams at SD-WAN Technology vendors: to understand aligned vs non-aligned CSP partners.
  • “Systems Integrators” (and pure-play MSPs) – resellers of SD-WAN technology looking to understand changing competitive landscape (e.g. vs DIY, vs CSPs, vs webscale players or other)
, , , , , , September 14, 202132promoted-reports security module enterprise-networks report-type sd-wan-sdn market-outlook report-lifecycle topic
Security in the Network Cloud

Security of networks has always been a high priority for enterprise CIOs, and their telecom suppliers. But with the fundamental nature of telecom networks radically changing – more virtual, more dynamic, more “open” – are approaches to security keeping up? What are the implications of this radical change for enterprises, CSPs and vendors? Where are the security challenges, and the new opportunities?

This major new research report dives deep into network security, the market size and opportunities and future evolution. It also offers a new framework for understanding security in the context of network cloud, IoT and 5G.

This security research report will be of significant interest to:

CIOs and Heads of Security at Enterprises:

  • Understand the new security threats and requirements in a network cloud enviroment
  • Understand how SD-WAN, fiewalls, SASE, SANE and ID all fit together and can be simplified

Heads of Enterprise Products & Solutions, Head of Innovation at CSPs:

  • Gain up-to-date understanding of the opportunity for CSPs in enhancing network security for enterprises
  • Create and position compelling new value propositions

Heads of Marketing, Strategy, Product and Solutions in Suppliers of BSS, OSS, Telecom software:

  • Gain detailed understanding of the key opportunity for suppliers in supporting network providers in new, improved end-to-end security to enterprise
  • Understand the evolving competitive landscape in security and develop response strategies

Suppliers of security software

  • Gain an understanding of current fragmented security marketplace and possible disaggregation, the opportunities for automation and end to end management, and the ability to more flexibly apply existing security capabilities built into the network cloud

Companies referenced in this report include: Allot, Amazon Web Services, Asavie, Juniper, Microsoft Azure, Nokia Nuage, Telekom Austria, VMWare.

, , , , , , September 25, 2020promoted-reports security module automation-orchestration market-outlook policy-driven-orchestration technology report-lifecycle topic report-type
Service Assurance in a 5G Era

How is service assurance changed by the demands of 5G, with its service-based architecture, telco cloud context and emphasis on new kinds of distributed services?

This Appledore research note is free to download, courtesy of Rakuten Symphony. Download details (email address) will not be shared. 

, , , , September 30, 20229rakuten-symphony module aiops-assurance-analytics other-reports research-note vendor report-type
Service-Aware Silicon: Nokia FP5

The launch of Nokia’s FP5 highlights how carrier-grade IP routing is about more than raw power. In this short Research Note we look at what the FP5 silicon offers, and what it means for CSPs and other buyers of high-capacity IP networking equipment.

Appledore subscribers will find this Research Note already in their Digital Lockers – log in for access.

, , October 6, 20213module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note report-type
ServiceNow Service Bridge

How operators connect with each other, with their enterprise customers, and with third party suppliers, has long been a topic for industry discussion and various efforts to standardize. ServiceNow’s Service Bridge offering is an important solution to the problem. In this profile, we assess the challenges and ServiceNow’s response, including a SWOT analysis.

This research is available to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision module (login here). 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , , , January 12, 20248promoted-reports servicenow module operator-strategies solution-profiles inventory report-lifecycle vendor report-type topic
ServiceNow: Telecommunications Network Inventory (TNI)

This profile offers an evaluation of ServiceNow’s network inventory solution. Although ServiceNow is a new player in the telco inventory market, it has gained a competitive advantage through its partnerships with major carriers like AT&T. The recent Tokyo release provides a telco inventory solution that is user-friendly and tailored to the needs of telcos. To learn more about ServiceNow’s telecom network inventory offering, read this 14-page analysis.

This research is available to subscribers to our Observability & Data Management module. 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , , May 11, 202314servicenow module observability-data-mgt solution-profiles inventory vendor report-type topic
ServiceNow: Telecommunications Network Inventory (TNI) 2024 revision

This profile looks at ServiceNow’s network inventory solution TNI. Although ServiceNow was a new player in the telco inventory market, it has gained a competitive advantage through its partnerships with major carriers like AT&T. The report details the progress of the TNI solution since its first Tokyo release.

TNI provides a telco inventory solution that is user-friendly and tailored to the needs of telcos within a wider “as a service” solution. ServiceNow TNI is rapidly achieving function parity with traditional inventory players, all embedded in one of the leading enterprise process management applications.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Observability & Data Management module. 

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , , July 31, 202416servicenow module observability-data-mgt solution-profiles inventory vendor report-type topic
Silicon-Aware Orchestration

Reliance on speciality silicon is increasing in telecom, both in its volume and its variety. This has implications higher up in the stack, and into even into operations.

This research note explores some of the operational implications of deploying specialty silicon. In particular, on the scope and capabilities of orchestration.

This research note is available free for subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module (current subscribers can login here). 

, , January 24, 20246promoted-reports automation-orchestration research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
SK Telekom's $100m GenAI Buy-in

SK Telecom is one of the world’s largest operators, and one of its most progressive and innovative. In August 2023, it announced an additional $100m investment in San Francisco-based Anthropic, a GenAI startup also backed by Alphabet/Google. Together with other recent announcements on AI with telco peers, what does this signify about telecom’s relationship and ambition for AI in general – and GenAI in particular?

This research note is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module. 

, , , September 1, 20233promoted-reports module operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Slurp'it Network Discovery

Slurp’it network discovery aims to deliver the key foundations to network automation that are not in place in many enterprises and CSPs: network visibility, inventory accuracy, and ultimately Network Observability. Network discovery has long been a key concern for enterprises and telcos. The idea of a fully accurate network inventory is understood, but its implementation has always proved both problematic and its achievement impossible to objectively validate. Slurp’it aims to provide discovery that does not require complex interface development and yet still provides the breadth of device coverage normally only achievable through custom scripts. It aims to solve the network visibility issue by moving from ad-hoc custom data scripts to a consistent data-driven approach.

Existing subscribers can access the report here (login required). The report is part of our Observability and Data Management research module. If you need help or have any questions, please contact us.

, , , , October 31, 20236observability-data-mgt small-companies solution-profiles inventory model-driven-definition module vendor report-type topic
Solution Profile: Amdocs in Cross Domain Service Orchestration

“Amdocs has made dramatic changes to its forward-looking product line, branded Amdocs Intelligent Networking Suite.” – Grant Lenahan

Amdocs needs no introduction. Synonymous with telecom software, its engagements span the globe and the industry.

Based on an extensive detailed technical questionnaire, presentations, and many hours of robust discussion this 12-page report takes a deep dive on Amdocs’ End-to-End Service & Network Orchestration offering for cross-domain service orchestration (CDSO). The report includes a SWOT analysis making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

This report is FREE to download, courtesy of Amdocs. Registration details will only be used to deliver the download, and are not shared with any third party. 

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , June 29, 202212service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type amdocs solution-profiles topic vendor
Solution Profile: Blue Planet Inventory

Blue Planet, a Ciena company, has been making steady headway in the inventory management market. This 8-page profile examines the company’s offering, notable customers and provides our own SWOT analysis, based on criteria from our wider inventory market outlook report.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s Observability and Data Management research module.

, , , , December 28, 20228network-data-management observability-data-mgt report-type solution-profiles ciena topic module vendor
Solution Profile: Blue Planet MDSO

Blue Planet, a Ciena company, through a combination of acquisition and organic development has established a comprehensive orchestration offering under the “Multi-Domain Service Orchestration” banner. In this Solution Profile we look at MDSO in the context of our research on offerings, best practices and principles in cross-domain service orchestration.

The report includes a SWOT analysis, making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

, , , , May 31, 202210service-orchestration automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles ciena topic module vendor
Solution Profile: Ericsson AIOps

Ericsson makes extensive use of AI across its offerings from products to managed services. In this profile, we look at Ericsson’s current footprint of AI-enabled engagements, and future strategy. We call out strengths and potential risks for Ericsson and its customers in the still-early shift to more intelligent, automated operations.

For more on our coverage of Ericsson (including free-to-view content), see here.

, , , , , January 27, 20227ai-ops module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles ericsson topic vendor
Solution Profile: Ericsson and Open RAN

This mini-profile summarises Ericsson’s involvement and interests in the Open RAN movement.

, , , , April 28, 20213open-ran module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem other-reports solution-profiles topic report-type
Solution Profile: Google Anthos

This profile provides an overview of Google Anthos, the software platform that Google hopes to make the Android of telecom network applications – a common environment that allows seamless deployment and lifecycle management for all telecom workloads, even the most demanding.

The profile includes a technical overview, looks at strategy, ecosystem & partnerships, key customer announcements, and provides a high level SWOT analysis of Anthos.

, , , , , , March 31, 202285g edge-cloud google module distributed-cloud-infra enterprise-networks solution-profiles topic vendor report-type
Solution Profile: HPE Service Director

HPE is a global telecom ISV as well as supplier of specialized network functions, primarily its HLR/HSS solution. In this profile we look at how HPE, with its Service Director product, addresses the needs of next-gen, cross-domain service orchestration. We look at how it works together with NFV Director, HPE’s “cloud manager” for cloud native workloads, to deliver automation and agile innovation, with a focus on consistent intent-based operations from the highest-level service, down to cloud-native workloads.

The report includes a SWOT analysis, making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

, , , , , March 17, 202211service-orchestration module automation-orchestration hpe report-type solution-profiles topic vendor
Solution Profile: IBM Cloud Pak and Cisco Crosswork

Together, IBM and Cisco have demonstrated a complete end to end Orchestration solution with Service Orchestration (IBM Cloud Pak), transport Domain Orchestration (Cisco Crosswork) and performance management from Accedian. In this profile, we review the combined solution demonstration, and offer a brief SWOT analysis for service providers evaluating their options in delivering end to end orchestration of new services.

, , , , , , , , , , January 21, 202265g analytics open-ran service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles closed-loop-automation cisco ibm topic vendor
Solution Profile: IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation

iBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation is an AI-powered, service orchestrator that enables automation of network operations with the help of advanced analytics, AI and ML. In this 9-page profile, we take a look at its key features, market impact and offer a SWOT analysis.

, , , , , , , , , April 5, 202295g analytics open-ran module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles closed-loop-automation cisco ibm topic vendor
Solution Profile: IBM in Cross Domain Service Orchestration

“IBM has, in a very brief time, vaulted itself from a non-player to arguably a leader in cross-domain service orchestration.” – Grant Lenahan

IBM’s Cloud Pak for Network Automation (“CP4NA”) represents a significant shift in product strategy for IBM, moving them from being primarily an integrator in this space, to having an off-the-shelf telecom orchestration product. In this 12-page analysis, we take a deep dive on their offering, and how IBM is faring on fusing the speed and innovation of a startup with Big Blue’s traditional heft.

The report includes a SWOT analysis, making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , June 22, 202212service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles ibm topic vendor
Solution Profile: Lumen

Lumen was created to be a pure business-to-business telecom service provider. But this is much more than a rebrand. Based on in-depth technical discussions with Lumen, we assess the reality of Lumen’s “platform for innovation” positioning. In particular, to what extent Lumen has redefined its offerings and proposition for cloud-savvy enterprises.

This report makes a valuable read for C-suite leadership at both technology vendors and “Fortune 500” enterprises, as well as technology and strategy leaders.  For marketing and sales, it provides a tangible look at the art of the possible, as opposed to the art of wishful thinking – which always manages to disappoint in the end.

For product managers and enterprise business unit leads at communications service providers (CSPs) it’s a detailed reference for how one operator is addressing the current and future needs of business customers. For Lumen customers and partners – an independent perspective on how credible its claims to be different really are.

For enterprise CIOs, it provides a timely view of the themes and trends that telecom operators believe are behind their evolving needs.

, , , , , , , , July 14, 202115premium-reports promoted-reports module automation-orchestration enterprise-networks operator-strategies report-type iot solution-profiles report-lifecycle topic
Solution Profile: Mavenir Open RAN

“Strong capabilities and offerings… with credible evidence that their approach is an improvement on traditional approaches.” – Francis Haysom

Mavenir has been one of the champions of, and front runners in, the Open RAN movement. In this 8-page profile we look at the company, their impact to date in the open RAN market, and offer our own independent assessment of Mavenir’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , June 24, 20228open-ran mavenir module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem report-type solution-profiles topic vendor
Solution Profile: Netcracker in Cross Domain Service Orchestration

“Netcracker has a long history, and yet is entering a new phase with modern orchestration technology. ” – Grant Lenahan

Netcracker is one of the longest-established and most successful brands in the telecom software market. It has been investing significantly in R&D for orchestration over several years, and making progress with telco customers.

Based on an extensive detailed technical questionnaire, presentations, and many hours of robust discussion this 12-page report takes a deep dive on Netcracker’s cross-domain service orchestration (CDSO) offering. The report includes a SWOT analysis making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

This report is FREE to download, courtesy of Netcracker. Registration details will only be used to deliver the download, and are not shared with any third party. 

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , June 29, 202212service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles netcracker topic vendor
Solution Profile: Nokia and Open RAN

This mini-profile provides a summary analysis of Nokia’s involvement and positioning in Open RAN.

, , , , April 28, 20212open-ran module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem other-reports solution-profiles topic report-type
Solution Profile: Nokia AVA

Nokia AVA, unveiled in May 2021, comprises Nokia’s analytics, insights and AI/ML products, services and use cases. It offers AI-as-a-Service and taps the legendary expertise at Nokia Bell Labs. This profile provides an overview of the AVA portfolio and our perspective on its application witihin (and outside of) telecom operations in general and AIOps in particular.

For more on our coverage of Nokia (including free-to-view content), see here.

, , , , , February 4, 20225ai-ops module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles nokia topic vendor
Solution Profile: Nokia AVA (2023)

As AI advances rapidly, telecom operators must be alert to the progress being made by vendors, and the innovations and opportunities they offer CSPs.

In this comprehensively updated profile of Nokia AVA, we look at how Nokia has blazed a trail in AI in telecom with AVA, leveraging multiple assets to create a broad portfolio of offerings targeted at many of CSPs hottest topics.

Nokia AVA is a complete AI-as-a-Service stack delivered through the cloud and has a blend of data science, telco, and cloud expertise.

This report is free for subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module. Access it directly via your Digital Locker

, , , , , April 7, 20235ai-ops module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles nokia topic vendor
Solution Profile: Nokia Cross Domain Service Orchestration

Nokia has one of the largest and broadest NAS portfolios in the industry. Digital Operations Center is Nokia’s all-new entry into next-generation, cross-domain, service orchestration. In this 12-page analysis, Appledore takes a deep dive into its capabilities.

The report includes a SWOT analysis, making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , June 22, 202212service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles nokia topic vendor
Solution Profile: Oracle in Cross Domain Service Orchestration

“Oracle’s Unified Orchestration is now part a broader Unified Operations suite aimed squarely at taking closed-loop operation from theory to reality.” – Grant Lenahan

Building on its established strengths in fulfilment and inventory, with the acquisition of Federos Oracle has a more explicit goal of “closing the loop” end-to-end. This is reflected in a broadened portfolio and capabilities, and some judicious re-branding.

Based on an extensive detailed technical questionnaire, presentations, and many hours of robust discussion this 16-page report takes a deep dive on Oracle’s Unified Orchestration offering for cross-domain service orchestration (CDSO). The report includes a SWOT analysis making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , August 5, 202212service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles oracle topic vendor
Solution Profile: Platform9

In this profile we look at how one company, now headed up by ex-Oracle Communications chief Bhaskar Gorti, is building the foundation for Cloud Operations-as-a-Service. In particular, how it is enabling a new way of thinking about how cloud is operated efficiently: enabling service agility and innovation, whilst taking away the complexity. All wrapped up in a distinct “as a service” approach that addresses the cloud operations skills shortage for all enterprises.

May contain references to muggles.

, , , February 3, 20227promoted-reports module distributed-cloud-infra solution-profiles report-lifecycle report-type
Solution Profile: Radisys and Open RAN

Radisys is a 1,000-strong telecom hardware, software and services company with longstanding involvement in Open RAN and its predecessors such as CORD. This short profile outlines the company’s position and potential in Open RAN, both as a sub-contracted vendor, and as a direct challenger in some segments of the market.

, , , , April 28, 20212open-ran module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem other-reports solution-profiles topic report-type
Solution Profile: Splunk

A solution profile of Splunk.

, , , , , July 12, 20218splunk module aiops-assurance-analytics observability-data-mgt other-reports solution-profiles vendor report-type
Solution Profile: Splunk (2022)

With a new CEO at the helm and a major pivot to SaaS under way, what are Splunk’s prospects in the telecom vertical? And how does it stack up against rival offerings from the likes of Elastic, Devo and others? What AI-based solutions in the telco market are reducing input cost and delivering economic value? This 8-page profile provides an up-to-date analysis.

, , , , April 19, 20228splunk module aiops-assurance-analytics other-reports solution-profiles vendor report-type
Solution Profile: Subex AI/ML Capacity Management

It is a rare thing to be genuinely surprised by a vendor briefing, but Subex managed this with their recent briefing on their AI enabled Network Analytics solution. In this 14-page profile we offer an independent perspective on how Subex is applying its AI knowledge to network problem space, initially with a Capacity Management use case. This profile includes a SWOT analysis, and where we see Subex now playing within Appledore’s new taxonomy for Network Automation Software.

, , , , , , , October 20, 202114ai-ops analytics premium-reports promoted-reports module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles topic report-lifecycle
Solution Profile: VMware in Cross Domain Service Orchestration

“VMware has transformed itself from a virtual machine infrastructure vendor into a cloud-native leader.” – Grant Lenahan

VMware “Telco Cloud Automation”, introduced within the last two years, builds on existing orchestration capabilities that VMware has developed to manage workloads and network services in cloud environments, both those that utilize its own virtualization/cloudification technology, and across clouds.

This 12-page report on VMware’s cross-domain service orchestration offering includes a SWOT analysis making it essential reading both for telcos considering end-to-end service orchestration offerings, and for other vendors looking to establish a distinct and competitive market position.

Subscription clients can access this research directly via their Digital Locker. For help or queries, contact us.

, , , , , June 24, 202212service-orchestration module automation-orchestration report-type solution-profiles vmware topic vendor
Solution Profile: VMware Telco Cloud Automation

VMware is a leader in multi-cloud virtualization; capable of delivering software that runs on many platforms and now managing it across those platforms. With VMware Telco Cloud Automation, VMware is seeking to build on its leadership in telecom multi-cloud infrastructure management, providing a complete automation capability that can deliver value added services on the Telco cloud. 

VMware believes that automation and orchestration is the only way telcos can contain complexity. Cloud simplifies, but without orchestration it makes networks more complex. VMware’s strategy with Telco Cloud Automation is to enable multi-vendor, multi cloud, multi-location networks, leveraging its familiarity as the virtualization layer in many of those clouds. 

, , , , , , , , , , August 16, 202114premium-reports promoted-reports telco-cloud service-orchestration module automation-orchestration distributed-cloud-infra report-type solution-profiles closed-loop-automation vmware report-lifecycle topic vendor
Spirent Lab-to-Live Testing

Spirent is one of the few suppliers in the market that provide end to end testing and lifecycle service assurance from the radio access network back to the 5G core. It has the capabilities to emulate the base station receivers for complex MIMO beamforming and apply digital twin emulation in the radio and core networks. The bridge between the lab to operational assurance is a seamless set of pre-testing scenarios that MNOs can utilize to be confident of radio and network performance on day 1.

The focus of this profile is on Spirent’s Lifecycle Service Assurance (LSA) solution. The division provides network validation, service testing, active service assurance, and solutions for mobile device performance testing. Spirent is a leading T&M supplier to mobile CSPs and equipment suppliers, with 56% of its revenue originating in the Americas region.

, , , , December 9, 20227module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance spirent report-type topic vendor
Spirent Lifecycle Service Assurance

Spirent’s Lifecycle Service Assurance (LSA) solution suite provides network validation, service testing, and active service assurance. Spirent is a leading supplier to mobile CSPs and equipment suppliers with 55% of its revenue originating in Americas region. This profile provides key customers of Spirent, solutions in the service assurance domain, competitors, and our analysis of the company.

, , , , February 8, 20228module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance spirent report-type topic vendor
Spirent NFV LSA

Spirent’s NFV Lifecycle Service Assurance (LSA) solution suite provides network validation, service testing, and active service assurance. Spirent is a leading supplier to mobile CSPs and equipment suppliers with 55% of its revenue originating in Americas region. This profile provides key customers of Spirent, solutions in the service assurance domain, competitors, and our analysis of the company.

, , February 21, 201814solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance spirent report-type topic vendor
Spirent: Automated 5G Security Testing

Spirent is one of the leaders in testing – but is not resting on its laurels. The world of testing in telecom is undergoing an accelerated evolution on all fronts: not only in what is to be tested, but also how, where (by whom?) and when (how often?). This detailed profile assesses how Spirent is responding to these changes with technical innovations as well as organizational change, with a specific dive into its automated security testing for 5G networks offering.

This research is available for one-off purchase below, or free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module. To access your digital locker, click here.

, , , , , June 28, 202310module aiops-assurance-analytics automation-orchestration solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance spirent report-type topic vendor
SRE in Telecom

As enterprise applications have been re-architected and move to run on large-scale, distributed infrastructure, the discipline of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) has emerged to ensure the availability and resilience of distributed, cloud-native software applications.

What are the implications of this for telecom, still only at the early stages of the shift to cloud-native?

What is the role of SRE in delivering telecom’s traditional “five-nines” availability goal in the era of cloud-based network functions?

In this Research Note we offer insights based on time with the SRE community at SREDay London, and our knowledge of telecom’s unique challenges.

This report can be purchased here but is available free to subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management research module (login required). 

, October 3, 20247promoted-reports distributed-cloud-infra report-lifecycle module
Sustainability in Telecom: Strategy Meets Urgency

Sustainability is becoming a permanent addition to the drivers of telcos’ strategies, on a par with profitability and an aspiration to exceptional customer experience.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required). 

, , , February 6, 20247promoted-reports module operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Talari SDWAN

This document profiles Talari Networks’ SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.

, , October 17, 201818sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles oracle topic report-type vendor
TDC Net Goes Dragonslaying with Blue Planet Inventory

The separation of Danish telco TDC into a NetCo (infrastructure) and ServCo (retail service provision) announced in 2019 has allowed two separate operating entities to assess their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of their distinct market opportunities – and reset investment plans accordingly.

In the case of TDC Net, this has kicked off a major IT transformation program led by Infosys. Now, Ciena’s Blue Planet has been selected as the inventory system at the centre of this transformation.

In this Research Note, we look at the notable aspects of this deal and what it reveals about Blue Planet’s market execution – as well as about the reality of Tier 1 inventory transformations.

This report is available free to subscribers to our Network Data Management and Strategies & Vision research modules – and can also be downloaded (after email registration) here

For additional research referencing Ciena and Blue Planet (including some FREE reports), see here. 

, , , , September 11, 20243promoted-reports observability-data-mgt operator-strategies research-note ciena report-lifecycle module report-type vendor
Telco Cloud for Operators: A Blueprint for Success

“Success in telco cloud starts with avoiding a repeat of history’s mistakes.”

The reinvention of telecom operators as cloud-based businesses will have profound effects on the wider industry. Not only will it be key to new levels of agility and speed, but it will enable new sources of revenue, new types of customer experience, and new ways to differentiate. But telecom has unique and demanding characteristics that make the realization of a “telco cloud” particularly challenging.

In this research note we set out a framework for CSPs’ strategies for their re-platforming onto cloud, developed in part on based on practical experience of deploying the world’s first cloud-native network in Rakuten Mobile Japan. (In a previous report, we looked at how CSPs can benefit from distributed cloud-native networks, the “Everywhere Edge”.)

This report is part of a set – with a separate blueprint for vendors detailed here.

This Research Note is published within our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management and Operator Strategy & Vision research modules, and is available free to subscribers of those modules, via their Appledore Digital Locker. 

 

, , , , January 31, 202311future-reports module distributed-cloud-infra operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Telco Cloud for Vendors: A Blueprint for Success

“Telco cloud will be characterised by ecosystems and partnerships.”

In a previous report, we looked at how CSPs have an opportunity from distributed cloud-native networks, where the edge is everywhere. We explored what the new telco edge looks like and what the future cloud network needs to look like to drive revenue for telcos.

In this follow-on report, we look at the key characteristics that vendors and suppliers must deliver for a successful Telco Cloud. We look at what needs to be in place to allow all types of CSP to benefit from cloud-native networks and the key characteristics of vendor solutions that are needed to meet this.

This report is part of a set – with a separate blueprint for operators detailed here.

This Research Note is published within our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure Management and Operator Strategy & Vision research modules, and is available free to subscribers of those modules, via their Appledore Digital Locker. 

 

, , , , January 31, 202314future-reports module distributed-cloud-infra operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
Telco Cloud Orchestration Market Supplier Roundup

This is the May update of this “living document”.  If you purchased the original the update is free.

This report is part 2 of a series that looks at the evolution of Network Cloud Orchestration, by which we mean NFV-hybrid orchestration at all layers, supporting all core processes – including healing, scaling and capacity optimization.  We focus on achieving automation and cloud-native operations.
Part 2 Supplier Roundup It contains 20+ supplier mini profiles showing where suppliers play and how they are transforming in the four major areas outlined.  We suggest first reading Part 1.

This report will be “living” and updated as new information becomes available.  The current update is U3, April 2018.

, , January 16, 201891telco-cloud market-outlook policy-driven-orchestration topic report-type
Telco to PlatCo: Proximus' Strategy for Growth

Like many other telcos, Proximus is seeking a way out of low growth, uncertain 5G returns and a saturated domestic market. Unlike many other telcos, it has a secret weapon, in its international business – and it has big plans to use it.

Proximus’ growth strategy is an interesting example of how one telco is attempting to resolve the challenges of needing to transform, yet still find a way to leverage traditional telco strengths.

This report is free to access for subscribers to our Operator Strategies & Vision research module (login required), or can be purchased below. 

, , August 30, 20247promoted-reports operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle module report-type
Telecom 2030 - Market forces that will reshape the telco of the future

”The next decade will most definitely reshape the telco industry. Appledore Research believe that billions are up for grabs.”

Most industry pundits will publish a piece on the most important trends for the new year. In reality we know that it always takes longer for a business model or technology advancement to impact the market. We decided this year to look out a decade to 2030. We look at the trends we think will have the most impact on the telco market. We also estimate on the their potential economic impact to help guide our readers on where to place their bets. A new decade is the appropriate time to take stock of where our industry is and the likely direction it will take over the coming decade.The key trends are: 5G and beyond; AI driven network; Automation; Any Party Exposure, Distributed Ledger; Digital Twin; Digital Service Economy; Dynamic Autonomic Services; Edge Cloud; Industrial Automation; Security Management; the Utility telco and Opensource.

The key trends, with their potential economic impact to telco, are laid out in the document. Our formula in each section is to outline the trend: what it is, how will it transform telecommunications in the next decade, indication of proof points in the market and specific use cases.

, , , , , January 29, 2020265g edge-cloud module digital-enablement operator-strategies market-outlook topic report-type
Telecom 2030 - Market primer

”The next decade will most definitely reshape the telco industry. Appledore Research believe that billions are up for grabs.”

Most industry pundits will publish a piece on the most important trends for the new year. In reality we know that it always takes longer for a business model or technology advancement to impact the market. We decided this year to look out a decade to 2030. We look at the trends we think will have the most impact on the telco market. We also estimate on the their potential economic impact to help guide our readers on where to place their bets. A new decade is the appropriate time to take stock of where our industry is and the likely direction it will take over the coming decade.The key trends are: 5G and beyond; AI driven network; Automation; Any Party Exposure, Distributed Ledger; Digital Twin; Digital Service Economy; Dynamic Autonomic Services; Edge Cloud; Industrial Automation; Security Management; the Utility telco and Opensource.

This market primer is a short version of our full market outlook especially for MWC2020.

, , , , February 3, 2020165g edge-cloud module operator-strategies research-note topic report-type
Telecom's $100B Enterprise Opportunity

Enterprises’ needs are becoming more complex, that much is a given. The question is: do telcos stand to gain from that increased complexity? And if so, what are the prerequisites for success? This 20+ page analysis quantifies the opportunity for telecom at over $100bn of incremental spend by enterprises with telcos over the coming years – conditional on telcos making the investment in automation, orchestration and innovation required to win it.

The forecast forecasts CSPs’ revenue potential in six segments of enterprise spend, each year through to 2027:

  • Industrial Automation (IA)
  • Incremental Broadband (Enterprises)
  • SDWAN
  • Automated Security
  • Security Professional Services
  • Edge Capacity

This major report is essential for telcos and suppliers of automation and orchestration systems, looking for a reference for market size for the potential ROI in these new generation of systems. Also for architects and strategists looking to understand what new featuresets and operating practices are needed, to satisfy the new demands of modern enterprise customers.

, , , , December 10, 202220promoted-reports module enterprise-networks report-type global-forecast report-lifecycle
Telecom's AI Ecosystem: Who's Leading?

Telecom is at an early stage in its adoption of AI. Yet one key trend is clear: the emergence of ecosystems of vendors, collaborating to bring together the range of skills, technologies and expertise needed to make AI in telecom fulfil its transformative potential.

In this Research Note, we size and segment the market for AI in Telecom into six categories, and highlight early leading players.

We also provide a breakdown of use cases that are most frequently cited in relation to AI in telecom.

Finally, we look at the opportunities and challenges that the industry faces in progressing AI from localized use cases with limited payback to an industry-disrupting set of technologies and operating models.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module.

Note: Existing subscribers can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , , , March 20, 202312ai-ops analytics aiops-assurance-analytics research-note report-type topic module
Telecommunication Cloud Management Worldwide Forecast 2015 - 2025The worldwide Telecommunication Cloud Management market using ARG taxonomy is forecasted to grow from USD130 million in 2015 to USD7.4 billion in 2025, a CAGR of 50%. The telecommunication market …, March 22, 201641global-forecast technology report-type topic
Test & Assurance in Cloud Networks

This report highlights the critical changes to conventional test and assurance that CSPs and vendors need to take on board, as networks increasingly move from hardware- to software-based.

Bottom line: the cloudification of the network will force most CSPs to assess current tools and processes to achieve the benefits of cloud scaling. Agile service delivery and assurance radically changes how services are tested and assured as workloads become more distributed. Workloads will move dynamically to support demand scaling in/out in shorter timeframes. This obviates the need for planned deployment of dedicated fixed monitoring points, and in fact makes it impossible to locate precise points of monitoring. Virtual probes will move with workloads at the edge closer to the UE and access points. Edge computing and the distribution of workloads will require more network visibility for service assurance and customer impact analysis.

This all adds up to a radical shift in the tooling and processes required to test and assure these new networks. This report maps out the key changes and assesses leading vendors in this vital space.

Publication Date: Feb 2021

Author: Patrick Kelly

Report Contents

  • How the Market is Evolving
  • Market Share and Forecast
  • Testing and validation still relevant in 5G and cloud but must be aligned to CI/CD
  • Device emulation and dynamic network supporting distributed workloads
  • Protocol stack and support of standards provides a defensible moat for suppliers. This requires continued investments in R&D and actively driving standards bodies
  • Applications and analytics drive new spending
  • Supplier Strategies including NetscoutSpirent, Keysight, Viavi, Rohde & Schwartz
, , , , , February 9, 2021185g module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type market-outlook rapid-automated-service-assurance topic
Testing & Assurance in the Cloud Era, 2024-29

The testing and service assurance sector is experiencing upheaval to its long-standing business, pricing, and delivery models due to the emergence of new technologies such as 5G, Open RAN, and the shift towards cloud-native network architectures. The $2.2 Billion legacy probe and assurance market is in decline, while at the same time the cloud test and assurance market is growing at double digit rates.

In this comprehensive new Market Outlook, we highlight the trends that are reshaping the Testing and Assurance markets in the era of cloud. The report also includes a global market forecast, and short profiles of leading and notable vendors including IBM, NETSCOUT, Spirent, Infovista, Nokia, Huawei, Viavi, Keysight, Ericsson, VMware, Anritsu, EXFO, Rohde & Schwarz, HPE, Juniper Networks, ServiceNow, Radcom, MyCom OSI, Cisco/Accedian, Amdocs, Oracle and Ciena Blue Planet. 

This report is free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance module (login required). 

, March 28, 202443other-reports market-outlook report-type
Testing and Assurance in Cloud Networks (Full Report)

This is the purchase and download page for the full report.

, , , , January 18, 202118module aiops-assurance-analytics topic market-outlook rapid-automated-service-assurance report-type
Testing and Assurance in Cloud Networks (Sample)

Note that this is the sample of the full report. It contains an overview or exec summary, plus the Table of Contents of the full report. To purchase a single user copy of the full report, see this page. For questions about the report contents, please contact us.

, , , , , , February 9, 202118netscout-vendor module aiops-assurance-analytics topic market-outlook rapid-automated-service-assurance spirent vendor report-type
The "Everywhere Edge"

Edge and cloud-native telecom are two sides of the same coin – but to realize revenues, telcos must also reset their architectural compass. In this expansive Research Note, Rahul Atri and Francis Haysom map out the essential ways in which telecom must rethink approaches to conventional network architectures.

, , , , January 4, 20238future-reports module distributed-cloud-infra operator-strategies research-note report-lifecycle report-type
The Automated, Actively Assured Service Lifecycle

Automated assurance not only simplifies and reduces costs, but introduces far more advanced testing-like methods to your arsenal. The introduction of automated assurance demands new thinking. Automated assurance metrics and capabilities must be considered and pre-engineered when Cloudified Network Functions (CNFs) and services are designed; it must be built into network automation models; and it demands that automation be a single method across provisioning assurance and capacity management (as is a general best practice for any closed loop). Mostly it demands that we think differently about what is needed, what is possible, and how and when to consider assurance operations at scale. The answer is: early.

, , , , , , , , November 17, 202126ai-ops analytics premium-reports promoted-reports juniper-vendor module aiops-assurance-analytics report-type white-paper topic report-lifecycle vendor
The Economics of Virtualized NetworksVirtualization is an exciting technology that promises to transform networks, services (products) and operations in Telcos.  Yet we at ARG believe that success will derive from understanding “first principles” – …, August 11, 2016111market-outlook technology report-type topic
The Economics of Virtualized Networks Overview

This document is intended as a companion to the Appledore Research Group (“ARG”) report, released in August 2016, “The Economics of Virtualized Networks”, which lays the groundwork to fully understand the business demands that underlie our subsequent work, beginning with “The Role of Closed Loop Automation in Virtualized Networks”. It is intended as a faster-to-consume summary or first read for those who would benefit from the highlights of the report, but are pressed for time. Our intent is to summarize the essential findings of the report, without taking the reader though the useful, but time consuming supporting and explanatory information. Many readers may wish to later read or refer to the full report.

, October 6, 2016market-outlook technology report-type topic
The Innovation Platform Telco

“There remains an opportunity for telecom to reassert its growth credentials.” – Rahul Atri

There is only so much cost-cutting that can be done by telcos. The secret to an uptick in stock price can ultimately only come through innovation, creating new value for customers. But how can telecom companies re-engineer the fundamentals of a large, capital intensive, high-cost, physical infrastructure business? In this Executive Strategy Note for telecom CxOs, Rahul Atri and Francis Haysom offer a vision (and solution!) for what a new, platform-based model of telecom looks like.

This research is available to subscribers to our Operator Strategy & Vision module.

For details of all our research modules, click here

, , , September 15, 20236network-data-management observability operator-strategies research-note topic module report-type
The Magic of Composable Services

At a time when telcos are desperate to both reduce costs *and* increase revenues, these can feel like competing goals. In fact, these objectives – as well as offering Network-as-a-Service and exposing APIs – are all enabled by a composable services strategy. Magic!

As Grant Lehanan argues in this deep-diving Operational Strategy Paper, composability is both a business and a technical strategy, and as such, warrants attention, understanding and common execution from across the telecom C-suite.

This research report is available FREE to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module [login required].

 

, , , August 2, 202412service-orchestration other-reports research-note white-paper topic report-type
The Need for Active Inventory in Dynamic Networks

This White Paper investigates the need for inventory to be “active” in emerging virtualized and hybrid networks. It derives needs from an actual service example, and suggests best practices.

, , January 12, 2017amdocs white-paper inventory vendor report-type topic
The Power of the AI Driven Telco

The Power of the AI Driven Telco – How Global CSPs use AI to improve business outcomes

Applying AI for improving prediction and business outcomes will transform decision making in most job functions of telecommunication operators in the next decade. AI tools used in the right context will improve customer care, network operations and planning, fraud detection, and personalized marketing.

, , , , , , April 7, 2020245g edge-cloud ai-ops promoted-reports module automation-orchestration market-outlook topic report-lifecycle report-type
The Rise of Digital Collaboration & Ecosystems

A must-read for those trying to understand the opportunities in IoT, the “industrial internet” and related buzz-words.

In-depth analysis of the evolution of digital collaboration (the underlying platforms for much of the IoT), typically digital services based on APIs, from simple storefronts to collaborative ecosystems.  report covers market, evolution, needs, players, technology and presents a set of functional recommendations.  Highly relevant to those interested in TMForum Open Digital project.  Originally released Q2 2016, but as valid today as it was then.

, , , May 25, 20174iot market-outlook catalog-and-composition model-driven-definition topic report-type
The Role of Policy in Hybrid Virtualized NetworksThis is the first in a series of reports by Appledore on policy. It covers an introduction to policy; its scope today; how and why it must change; the new …, March 22, 201676market-outlook models-and-reference-data report-type topic
The Role of Policy in Virtualized Networks - Executive Summary

This is a Research Note version of the Major Market Assessment of the same name. It is in report format rather than PPT; and presents an executive summary, providing the key take-aways with less time invested. We encourage those truly interested to also read the original PPT format report.

This report looks at the market and technology needs that will impact the application of policy throughout virtualized networks, and also how policy and PCRF products are evolving and must evolve further.

, June 6, 20164market-outlook models-and-reference-data report-type topic
Totogi Charging as a Service

Totogi is leading the charge (no pun intended) to take telco into the public cloud, beginning with one of its most mission-critical functions: charging.

In this dozen-page extended profile, we take a look at the company’s background and offering in Charging-as-a-Service, and the obstacles and opportunities it faces as it realizes its vision for leveraging the public cloud to achieve speed, economies and scale, and substantially lower costs.

This profile is available free to subscribers to our Digital Enablement research module, or for one-off purchase from this page. 

, , July 17, 202312digital-enablement totogi solution-profiles module vendor report-type
Transport Automation: Elisa Polystar FRINX Machine

Elisa Polystar is headquartered in Stockholm and focuses on automation – what they refer to as “self-driving networks”.  The FRINX Machine is part of a growing portfolio of network automation, analytics, optimization and management software offered by Elisa Polystar.

FRINX Machine is targeted at automating transport network operations in multi-vendor networks. With automation such a key priority for telcos today, this profile is a timely independent view on a relatively new yet impressive offering. Author Grant Lenahan profiles FRINX Machine in the context of other key industry themes such as intent-based networking, low-code/no-code, enterprise services, network slicing and automation.

This solution profile is part of a series of profiles that accompanies our market outlook report on automation in the transport domain.  This research looks at the state of the art in automating transport networks and services. Our focus is on L2/L3 services, but with full observability of Layer 1.

This profile is one in a series available to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration research module.

Existing subscribers can access the report from the Solution Profiles subfolder in their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

 

, , March 23, 20239module automation-orchestration solution-profiles report-type
Tupl

“TUPL brings a flexible approach to participate in the telco AI market” – Patrick Kelly, Principal Analyst

TUPL’s strong value proposition could lead to a significant upside in the telco vertical. CSPs have languished in implementing AI/ML to improve operations. The industry average ratio for revenue to OPEX has remained stubbornly high at 80% for the past decade. TUPL brings a flexible approach to participate in a telco AI market we value at $3.3 Billion in 2026. We estimate that an effective AI/ML-based approach can impact up to 53% of mobile operators operating expenses.

Tupl was founded as a private company in 2014 in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Their executive team has experience in telco operations, coming from Nokia and T-Mobile. It has raised USD10.5M in funding to date. Tupl has regional offices in Spain and Japan and has 70 employees.

Tupl has been deployed with multiple Tier-1 operators, including T-Mobile, KDDI and NTT DoCoMo. In addition to TuplOS, application deployments include automated customer care, network optimization and energy reduction.

The business value of TUPL is in removing data science and AI development expertise from developing specific use case applications. TuplOS can streamline data collection, ingestion, and processing tasks across many platforms. This gives engineers and operators a powerful tool to manage a much more complex network becoming increasingly disaggregated.

This report is available free for subscribers to Appledore’s AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research module.

Note: Existing subscribers can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker

, , , , March 15, 202312ai-ops analytics aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles topic module
Understanding and assuring SD-WANSThis white paper, written with EXFO’s generosity, draws from our ongoing research project on SD-WAN.   In it, we outline the limitations of SD-WAN built-in  assurance, as well as the …, , September 19, 201822sd-wan-sdn white-paper exfo topic report-type vendor
Verizon SDWAN

This document profiles Verizon’s SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.

, , , November 16, 201826module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles topic report-type
Versa Networks SD-WAN

This document profiles Versa Networks’ SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices.

This is one of a series of SD-WAN supplier profiles that Appledore is producing in 2018-2019.

Document is 22 pages long with features, positioning, differentiators, and analysis compared to our best practices.

, , , , , January 30, 201922module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles closed-loop-automation versa-networks topic report-type vendor
Viavi Acquires Spirent

Viavi acquiring Spirent is not only a canny deal, it’s a landscape-changer in the test and measurement space. Patrick Kelly has been following both companies closely for well over a decade and is well-placed to provide insight into the deal, its significance – and what it means for other players in the space.

This research is available free to subscribers to our AIOps, Analytics and Assurance research here (login required). 

, , March 6, 20245aiops-assurance-analytics research-note spirent module report-type vendor
Virtual Network CAPEX Global Forecast 2015 – 2025The virtualization of the telecommunication network will create dramatic economic operational dislocations in the CSP operating environment and supplier market. The shift from purpose built hardware to a hybrid virtualized …, March 22, 201625global-forecast technology report-type topic
VMware by Broadcom: Update

In the first major analyst update since it completed the acquisition of VMware, Broadcom’s CEO and members of his executive team provided insights into the changes made, rationale and the road ahead for Broadcom’s newly re-structured business unit. Grant Lenahan and Patrick Kelly assess the significance and near-term and longer-term implications.

This research is available free to subscribers to our Automation & Orchestration or our Enterprise Edge & Private Networks research (login required). 

, , , , , , , , , , February 15, 20245edge-cloud premium-reports security telco-cloud module automation-orchestration enterprise-networks other-reports research-note sd-wan-sdn vmware topic report-lifecycle report-type vendor
VMWare Explore, Barcelona

The European edition of VMware’s Explore event series hit Barcelona in November 2023. Though not a telecom event, it nonetheless had a few surprises up its sleeve from Appledore’s perspective.

This report is free for subscribers to our Enterprise Edge and Private Networks or Operator Strategy & Vision research module. If you need help or questions, please contact us.

, , , , , November 16, 20234module enterprise-networks report-type solution-profiles technology vmware topic vendor
VMWare Private Mobile Network

VMware Private Mobile Network – Pairing the best of enterprise IT and MSP expertise

In this 10-page profile, we discuss how VMware is taking a leading role in bringing LTE and 5G private mobile networks to a wider enterprise market. We look at both the opportunities that VMware’s approach can facilitate, and the challenges they face in what is a non-traditional field for telecoms technology and vendors.

This Appledore profile is free to download via the link below, courtesy of VMware. The report is part of our Enterprise Edge and Private Networks research module. If you need help or questions, please feel free to contact us.

, , , , , October 16, 202310module enterprise-networks report-type solution-profiles technology vmware topic vendor
VMware SD-WAN by Velocloud

This document profiles VMware’s “VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud” (often abbreviated “VMware SD-WAN” for brevity in this document) SD-WAN offering in the context of Appledore Research’s on-going research stream and best practices for “Telco Cloud” management and operations.  VeloCloud was an independent start-up, purchased by VMware in 2017, and being integrated with VMware’s NSX SDN product line (of Nicira origin).  VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud’s most unique selling proposition, made clear by its very name, is its “cloud-delivered” business model – both direct to enterprises and as a managed services platform for CSPs.  Cloud delivered can also pertain to its multi-tenant gateways (more on these often-misunderstood elements later).  Its second unique value proposition as Appledore observes them, involves “DMPO” or Dynamic Multi-Path Optimization” – a set of features to leverage multiple WAN paths and therefore deliver high quality transmission over “unreliable” Internet.

This is part of a series of SD-WAN solution profiles and research available from Appledore Research.

, , , , November 6, 201922module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles vmware topic report-type vendor
VMware Smart Assurance

The focus of this profile is on VMware Smart Assurance which is comprised of assets acquired from Dell EMC, the parent company. For long term industry veterans most will recognize the core capabilities of VMware SMART Assurance as patented technology developed under SMARTS. VMware acquired proven intellectual property and a customer base that includes tier 1 CSPs.

VMware Smart Assurance is designed to help CSPs migrate from existing fixed network and compute architectures to cloud native, virtualized networks. Smart Assurance is positioned to support multi-vendor, multi-tenant infrastructure in the transport, physical, virtual, NFV and SD-WAN domains. The Smarts Codebook technology has been used in physical networks for decades. VMware is now applying machine learning and business impact analysis in the hybrid virtual network supporting its vCloud NFV and SD-WAN by VeloCloud assets.

, , , , September 18, 201912module aiops-assurance-analytics solution-profiles rapid-automated-service-assurance vmware report-type topic vendor
Vodafone SD-WAN

In-depth profile of Vodafone’s solutions and strategy in SD-WAN, with a focus on agile and forward looking operations.

 

, , , , , , , February 18, 201922module enterprise-networks sd-wan-sdn solution-profiles closed-loop-automation policy-driven-orchestration technology vodafone topic report-type vendor
Weaverlabs

Appledore has written extensively about how software-based networks can drive commercial disaggregation in addition to technical disaggregation. Weaverlabs, a UK-based startup, is a potential enabler of this technical and commercial disaggregation.

Weaverlabs has a unique market offering, combining:

  • A network orchestration layer, managing the entire service lifecycle across multiple infrastructure providers
  • A flexible network infrastructure abstraction/broker for Distributed Cloud Infrastructure (DCI) and other network infrastructure resources
  • A monetization framework for the interconnection of supply chains of infrastructure suppliers, including CSPs, hyperscalers, and neutral hosts.

In this profile we look at how Weaverlabs could create a new marketplace for distributed network infrastructure, and provide an initial SWOT analysis on the company.

The report will be of interest to CSP CTOs who are considering a wider supply chain of network infrastructure providers. It will also be of interest to new network infrastructure players, including neutral host providers, tower companies, and even potentially hyperscale providers.

This research is free to subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module (login required). 

, , , , May 31, 202414promoted-reports telco-cloud distributed-cloud-infra small-companies solution-profiles report-lifecycle topic module vendor report-type
Who's Driving Open RAN?

The O-RAN Alliance was formed by the fusion of several earlier initiatives, and today consists of 10 Working Groups with additional Focus Groups, each with chairs and co-chairs from across the Alliance’s global membership.

This research note summarizes which operators and vendors have chair/co-chair roles for each Working Group, and the scope of each.

This research note is available for purchase here, or free to subscribers to our Disaggregation, Open RAN and Ecosystems research module.

Note: Subscription clients can access the report from their Digital Locker. Click here to log in/access the locker.

, , April 7, 202316module disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem research-note report-type
Who's Winning in Open RAN?

Open RAN is one of the most talked-about topics in telecom. But who actually appears to be gaining traction in the market with CSP projects?

This latest analysis provides a snapshot of the speed and extent of market development, and individual vendor progress. The goal is to help inform the strategies and decisions of CSP in considering their open RAN strategies and candidate vendor choices. The decisions that telecom CEOs, CFOs, CTOs and Heads of Network need to make must be informed by a view of what is happening in the wider market, not only point technology evaluations.

Similarly, vendor strategies may warrant adjustment, on the basis of standings relative to competitors, or partners.

To inform such thinking, in mid-2021, we believe it is important and already relevant to ask wider market questions regarding Open RAN:

  1. Is Open RAN already coalescing quickly around a small number of vendors or ecosystems?
  2. For new or established vendors aspiring to own a piece of the Open RAN pie, which areas of the market still offer the best potential?
  3. Since one key theme within the Open RAN movement is diversification of vendor selections, is there evidence that CSPs are forming relationships beyond telecom’s “Big Three plus One“ (Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei and Samsung)?

From the analysis in this snapshot, operators and vendors with an interest in Open RAN should be able to gain a clearer view of how and where the Open RAN market is progressing fastest, and to consider adjusting their strategies accordingly.

, , , , , , , , , , , June 9, 202139disaggregation-open-ran-ecosystem 5g promoted-reports open-ran rakuten-symphony nec mavenir market-outlook ciena technology nokia vmware module topic report-lifecycle vendor report-type
Why Intent Matters - The economic case for the intent driven network

The report explores the importance of intent in the transformation and automation of CSP networks. This report follows on from our OSS Sea Change Report

What is intent

Well-structured intent is fundamental to simplifying automation, making its implementation easier, and reducing the future maintenance burden.  “Intent” means that we define what the customer wants or needs – improving the likelihood of satisfaction.  In addition, intent can define operator’s internal business objectives – for example “at the lowest cost that meets the customer’s need” – improving business performance.

Despite its importance, intent is often a little-understood buzzword.

Technically, intent means defining a service or function “declaratively” rather than “imperatively”.  A simpler way to view intent is “define the desired outcome, rather than how to achieve it”.   An example is “define the capacity or latency required” rather than “define various image sizes or containerized apps to deploy”.  Essentially, you define the SLA, not how to achieve it.  This implies that the orchestration logic has the ability to find and implement a solution to the “SLA”.

The truth is, that we use intent today poorly.  Appledore believe it is more productive to think about “well structured’ vs “poorly structured” or “good vs bad” intent.  Good intent defines a functional objective and therefore allows for a high degree of solution flexibility, delivers loose coupling and minimizes ongoing maintenance.  Bad intent, on the other hand, tightly-couples services to a specific implementation, or a set of possible implementations – limiting flexibility and requiring constant maintenance and re-integrations down in the bits and bytes. This ruins automation and leads to high cost and complexity.

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

INTENT LANDSCAPE

WHAT HAPPENS TODAY: BAD INTENT

WHAT DOES GOOD INTENT LOOK LIKE IN TELCO OPERATIONS?

NETWORK AUTOMATION SOFTWARE VENDOR POSITIONS

SUMMARY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

BIBLIOGRAPHY / FURTHER READING

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

, , , , , , January 23, 202036module automation-orchestration market-outlook closed-loop-automation models-and-reference-data model-driven-definition policy-driven-orchestration report-type topic
WIM Technologies: Moving RAN Configuration Center Stage

WIM Technologies is a 10-year-old specialist provider of automation software for mobile RAN configuration management. It has a notable customer base of household name telcos, in what is a competitive and well-established market.

This profile looks at WIM’s history, positioning and portfolio (under the “Unison” brand name), with a SWOT analysis.

This research is published as part of our AIOps, Assurance, Analytics Research research module. Current subscribers can access that research here

, , August 24, 20237aiops-assurance-analytics report-type solution-profiles module
Wind River - Edge to centre Telco Cloud Management

Wind River has raised its telecom profile recently, particularly in Edge and vRAN/Open RAN applications. Its progress in telecom has grown from its early virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) offering, Titanium Cloud, and since January 2021 Wind River Studio, a telco-focused, cloud-native, lifecycle management platform for mission-critical edge applications. Based on its long history in mission-critical solutions, Wind River is in a strong position to support telcos’ transition to cloud-native and performance-sensitive infrastructure. In addition to Wind River’s Studio’s very strong position and performance at the far edge, it is also designed and commercially deployed to support the telco Core as well.

This research is available free for subscribers to our Distributed Cloud Infrastructure research module (current subscription and login required). 

, , , , , , July 29, 202412edge-cloud telco-cloud distributed-cloud-infra small-companies report-type solution-profiles technology topic module vendor
Winning at the edge

This research looks at the importance to CSPs in building differentiated services at the edge of the network.

It examines the related topics of edge computing, white box CPE and improved radio access technology in 5G.

In particular it looks at:

  • The current direction and economics of 5G and network slicing
  • The current direction and economics of universal CPE in CSPs
  • Existing standard and ecosystem initiatives in edge computing

Appledore will be publishing complimentary detailed research on SD-WAN, Network Slicing, 5G and Edge computing in 2018

, January 18, 201865market-outlook technology report-type topic