Networks Should Accelerate Innovation, Not Create Bottlenecks

Chadwick Kinlay

By Chadwick Kinlay, Director of Marketing and Communications, Epsilon

Networks today are impeding innovation rather than enabling it. Cloud computing applications, data analytics and internet of things (IoT) solutions all demand network services that go beyond what is being offered by the traditional networking model.

With the amount of IoT devices alone set to reach 50 billion by 2020 and rapid traffic growth, startups through to service providers are demanding greater bandwidth. Often, the network is the weak link that slows the development and serviceability of digital services, putting a limit on growth.

In a digitalized economy, businesses of all kinds need a new model to grow in scale and scope. The global networking industry is entering an era of extreme change that is reshaping the whole suite of connectivity solutions that service providers offer. Old models need to be replaced and innovation must accelerate the way services are being delivered. The challenge for service providers is to decide how best to serve new demands.

Networking remains fundamental to all communications services, and like all aspects of the information and communications technology (ICT) ecosystem, it needs to evolve. The network has to mirror the services it is supporting, otherwise it will only hinder digital transformation across industries all around the world.

Legacy Networking: Bottleneck for Future Innovation

Across the entire ICT ecosystem, there’s a realization that the network cannot be a bottleneck for innovation. Businesses are investing in DevOps, with software developers building new applications and services at an unprecedented rate. They are using their creativity to rapidly solve challenges for enterprises and are developing, testing, and releasing software more frequently and with greater reliability than ever before. Traffic growth is so rapid that it is putting immense pressure on service providers.

According to Synergy Research Group, the worldwide cloud computing market grew by 28 percent to $110 billion in revenue in 2015. Cloud-based services are going mainstream and will demand the support of flexible, agile and efficient networks. The positive attributes of the cloud need to be accentuated by the network rather than limited by it.

Likewise, IoT solutions require networks that are highly scalable, from serving a finite number of human customers to billions of networked devices. Networks that have been built to serve consumer mobile demand or basic enterprise apps are unqualified to meet the needs of IoT. This new phenomenon demands a powerful networking model that can scale economically. Without that, they will fail to deliver on their potential.

Accelerating Innovation With 100G and Beyond

Networking can become a utility that is hyperscalable and on-demand. We are now seeing the mainstream adoption of 100 gigabyte per second (100G) connectivity driven by high bandwidth demand from e-commerce, digital services and media content. With 100G connectivity, service …

… providers can address immediate bandwidth constraints and fully support the growth of services of the future. Its benefits can be further realized with on-demand connectivity designed to bring greater scalability and adaptability.

Software-defined networking (SDN) platforms and APIs remove legacy processes from networking. Using a single platform, networking services can be delivered in a fast and efficient manner while improving customer experience and service quality. The real value for service providers is having a comprehensive platform with a full suite of on-demand connectivity services without needing to invest in their own infrastructure.

Together, they create a simple yet powerful networking model that supports innovation and transformation.

Service providers are left to contemplate their options. They can choose either to remain static and focus on traditional networking models or work with partners to build a next-generation network that is hyperscalable and on-demand. The clearest benefit is that they can play a critical role in serving growing customer needs and capturing long-term revenue.

Chadwick Kinlay heads up the Epsilon Group’s marketing and communications out of its Singapore headquarters, bringing with him more than eight years of telecommunications industry experience. He helps develop Epsilon’s strategic marketing and communication plan with a focus on integrated global strategies for brand development. Prior to Epsilon, Kinlay held various marketing positions across a broad set of industries, including banking, hospitality and pharmaceuticals. He received his bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Follow him on LinkedIn.