Is Cloud Migration Optimized in the Telecom Sector?

Derived from broader “Cloud Radar 2023” findings, the report underscores the essential role that cloud technologies play in deploying 5G, IoT, machine-to-machine communication, and robotics. Revealing that 77% of telecom executives consider their cloud migration efforts highly effective, the report shows this figure surpasses the 73% observed in various other industries. The benefits of this migration include cost savings, improved scalability, and the introduction of new capabilities like microservices and dynamic orchestration.

Telecom companies are reportedly investing around $32 million annually in cloud services, a figure that is almost on par with the average annual expenditure of $33 million across multiple sectors. Despite this significant financial outlay, only 48% of the allocated cloud resources are utilized effectively, indicating a substantial level of underutilization. A key trend highlighted is the adoption of multi-cloud strategies aimed at delivering efficient 5G services, ensuring regulatory compliance, and securing service provision while also adapting to the evolving needs of consumers.

Trends and Security Concerns

A notable practice emerging from the report is that about 45% of telecom companies permit department heads or IT managers to deploy new cloud resources, which suggests a rather relaxed approach to security. Moreover, 44% of key cloud decisions in the telecom sector are made in isolation, without the collaborative input of leaders, technologists, and end-users. This practice diverges from the ideal scenario where strategic decision-making is a collective effort, ensuring that all perspectives are considered.

The isolated decision-making process could result in fragmented cloud strategies that might not align well with the overall organizational goals or industry best practices. Such an approach can also pose significant security risks, as the deployment of new resources without adequate oversight might expose the company to vulnerabilities. For effective cloud migration and utilization, telecom companies should ideally engage in a more integrated approach to decision-making, involving various stakeholders from different functional areas.

Optimizing Cloud Utilization

Based on the broader “Cloud Radar 2023” findings, the report emphasizes the critical role of cloud technologies in advancing 5G, IoT, machine-to-machine communication, and robotics. Notably, 77% of telecom executives consider their cloud migration efforts to be very effective, a figure higher than the 73% observed in other industries. This migration brings benefits such as cost savings, enhanced scalability, and the introduction of new capabilities like microservices and dynamic orchestration.

Telecom companies are reportedly spending around $32 million annually on cloud services, closely matching the average annual expenditure of $33 million across various sectors. Despite this significant investment, only 48% of allocated cloud resources are effectively utilized, indicating substantial underutilization. A key trend is the adoption of multi-cloud strategies to deliver efficient 5G services, ensure regulatory compliance, secure service provision, and adapt to the evolving needs of consumers.

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