WHAT IS CLOUD-NATIVE AND WHY DO WE CARE?
Mobile operators are struggling to keep up with the relentless growth of connected devices and consumer demands – the decisions they make today will ultimately affect their ability to compete, and even survive, in the 5G era. Telcos adopting cloud-native platforms have much to gain – but what exactly is “cloud-native?” And why all the buzz?
Cloud-Native?
According to James Crawshaw, Senior Analyst, Heavy Reading, “In essence, cloud-native software is designed, developed and optimized to exploit cloud technology (i.e., distributed processing and data stores). Some aspects of cloud-native use ‘traditional’ software development patterns such as automation (infrastructure and systems), API integrations and service-oriented architectures. The new bits that are specific to cloud-native patterns are the microservices architecture, containerized services, and distributed management and orchestration.”
Why do we care?
Crawshaw shares, “Telcos have a large software estate and there is no magic switch to flip everything cloud-native. So the vanguards in cloud-native tend to be greenfield operators or challengers. Verizon’s prepaid, bring-your-own-device brand Visible is a case in point. By adopting the latest in cloud-native software they are able to change their service offering and pricing at will through software configuration, not expensive and lengthy code rewrites. Going cloud-first also allows them to grow their IT resources as the business grows.”
Mavenir on Cloud-Native
Mavenir’s cloud-native 5G core networking technology is architected to support virtually everything from the consumer, enterprise and industrial sectors. With network slicing capabilities it is possible to optimize 5G enabled applications, to support requirements as diverse as ultra-low latency and high-reliability industrial automation to high-density ultra-high-throughput required for mobile IoT and Over the Top content delivery, on the same network.
With numerous successful 5G demonstrations and trials in progress globally, Mavenir’s cloud-native infrastructure and open development approach are helping operators redefine their mobile network economics.
