HYPERSCALE IoT
How an MNO becomes a leader in hyperscale IoT connectivity We can all agree that the Internet of Things (IoT) is a tremendous opportunity for mobile network operators (MNOs). For many, IoT is also a necessity to achieve return-on-investment (ROI) on the future and current spending on 5G However, the IoT business is very different from selling smartphone subscriptions. Mobile operators are local by nature, while IoT product manufacturers are global. Traditional subscriber services are built for a few streamlined customer types, with policies that rarely need to be changed. IoT connectivity services, on the other hand, need to adapt to each enterprise customer’s unique business needs. Many IoT enterprise customers also prefer to be in control of the connectivity via either a comprehensive web GUI and/or API. Add to this security requirements and the need for a unified global IoT connectivity that complies with regulations.
will enable fast time-to-market for their enterprise customers with innovative IoT connectivity services. This layer also enables automation of the customer setup that previously was manual. The IoT market, especially in 5G, will develop with many small innovation steps made by enterprises. In this dynamic reality, a hyperscale approach will give mobile operators the agility to both succeed and fail fast, while delivering a global IoT connectivity service that their enterprise customers can manage from portals and/or APIs.
Deliver what enterprise IoT customers need
With 5G comes new competitors such as smaller private network vendors. Specialised IoT mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are more agile and used to handle multiple global partnerships. Mobile operators must act now, adding more agility and value to their IoT services, to avoid an IoT data price race to the bottom.
It can easily become complicated when enterprises try to connect their products globally. They must handle multiple operators, contracts and technical integrations. Enterprises also need to stay on top of the fast-changing regulatory landscape. Which countries prohibit permanent roaming? Which operators have taken a business decision to not allow permanent roaming in their networks?
We believe mobile operators must rethink their IoT deployment strategies. What we suggest is that they leave what they have untouched and add a programmable layer of IoT connectivity control, security and automation hosted at hyperscalers. This
What IoT enterprise customers need is a service provider that manages these challenges for them. The mobile operator must be able to deliver a secure and global IoT software defined wide area network (SD-WAN), under one contract and with
Global IoT SD-WANs for Individual Enterprise Customers
SPONSORED ARTICLE 30
VANILLAPLUS MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 I 2022
