Etisalat underpins its digital transformation with SAHAB, a state-of-the-art telco cloud
This paper describes Etisalat’s journey to build a telco cloud – a carrier-grade cloud infrastructure - that will support any virtualised network functions (VNFs) and therefore any digital service that the operator cares to launch in future. It documents the drivers for, and benefits of, Etisalat’s multi-vendor approach to telco cloud and the lessons that the operator has learned in the 5 years since its journey began. Download here.
The paper describes how an open-source-based telco cloud is critical to Etisalat’s ambitions to become a leading provider of digital services because it offers the ability to bring new services to market faster than competitors, with the right level of customer service and excellent operational efficiency. Etisalat’s cloud journey is led by Esmaael Al-Hammadi, Senior Vice President, Network Development.
Etisalat wants to take advantage of the pace of innovation being set by the market in general, and open-source communities in particular, to shape its own destiny as a service provider. In parallel with its telco cloud technology transformation, Etisalat is introducing a DevOps way of working, which ensures that employees have appropriate skillsets and that the company as a whole adopts a ‘digital’ organisational culture that can leverage the cloud. Etisalat’s telco cloud forms the foundation of the operator’s business goal, which is summed up in its mission statement: ‘driving the digital future to empower societies.’ In other words, it is critical to the company’s evolution from communications service provider (CSP) to digital service provider (DSP).
“From Pipelines to Clouds - Etisalat`s Playbook” intends to leverage “Etisalat – 2020 Landscape” by exploring how telcos around the world can embark on the cloudification journey and implement the aforementioned technologies. The paper describes the road from the current state towards the ideal scenario, pointing out a series of challenges to be addressed throughout the journey. Download here.
In 2015, Etisalat published a white paper named “Etisalat – 2020 Landscape” in which it highlighted its vision for the coming years. The document focused on describing the virtualisation technologies such as cloud, NFV and SDN, presenting Etisalat’s point of view on why they should be implemented and the potential impact for the business.
“From Pipelines to Clouds - Etisalat`s Playbook” intends to leverage “Etisalat – 2020 Landscape” by exploring how telcos around the world can embark on the cloudification journey and implement the aforementioned technologies. The paper describes the road from the current state towards the ideal scenario, pointing out a series of challenges to be addressed throughout the journey. We hope this thought leadership paper can contribute positively to the market and provide answers to questions of interest to all. Moreover, we hope it becomes a call to action for all industry stakeholders to drive and accelerate the technologies’ maturity and regulation requirements, to enable telcos to achieve their visions and ultimately better empower their economies and societies.
Evolving the service provider architecture to unleash the potential of IoT
Etisalat recognises the transformational impact IoT will have on society and is leading the way in turning this vision of a future connected world into a reality. This whitepaper outlines Etisalat's vision of how the service provider network will support IoT. Download here.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to transform our everyday lives. Sensors and devices will capture and transmit data from billions of previously unconnected objects, generating greater insight and creating new ways for devices to autonomously interact with each other.
These insights, automated decision-making and device interactions have many potential applications across different industry verticals. For example, smart city applications (e.g. lighting, parking and waste management) will lead to the more-efficient use of public infrastructure, new healthcare devices and applications will provide additional patient information to doctors enabling better diagnosis and care, and sensors on industrial equipment will create a safer field-force environment.
"Etisalat has been at the forefront in creating new technology breakthroughs in the UAE and the IoT is in our DNA. We believe that IoT is vital for regional development and have made a commitment to build best-in-class IoT capabilities to offer to the market. The 'Evolving the service provider architecture to unleash the potential of IoT' whitepaper is an initiative that is aligned with the Etisalat 2020 technology vision." says Hatem Bamatraf, CTO, Etisalat International.
This whitepaper outlines Etisalat's vision of how the service provider network will support IoT. The discussion will take into consideration the impact of other key enabling technologies on the future of the network and IoT.
The report first sets out the landscape of IoT services, defining IoT and discussing the potential roles for service providers. An IoT reference model is then used to highlight the building blocks of an IoT solution. Next, the network architecture, designed to support the wide-ranging requirements of IoT services, is outlined and described. The impact of other key enabling technologies is presented in detail. Finally, an assessment of how IoT will impact service provider operations is discussed.
Etisalat and Huawei Unveil First White Paper in MENA about Future Network of 2020
Etisalat Group- the leading telecoms operator in emerging markets - and Huawei - a leading global ICT solutions provider – have launched a joint White Paper entitled “Etisalat – 2020 Landscape” on the future network architecture framework and its implications on operations and organization. The White Paper will be the first for the region. Download here.
The launch of Etisalat – 2020 Landscape White Paper follows an agreement made between the two companies earlier this year at MWC2015 Barcelona for a joint innovation program focused around the concept of Network2020. The companies believe that the year 2020 will require a different telecom networks to address customers’ needs and this innovative work on network infrastructure will provide the advanced technology platform to deliver intelligent, quicker, more reliable advanced services.
Hatem Bamatraf, Chief Technology Officer at Etisalat Group said: "This is the foremost technology White Paper being published from Middle East and Africa and, therefore, positions Etisalat Group at the forefront of technology leadership in emerging markets. It provides a basis from which Etisalat Group can meet the challenges of our diverse customers for more efficient and effective future network infrastructure. Working with our long-standing international partner, Huawei, Etisalat Group is committed to translating the 2020 vision into a reality."
"Etisalat and Huawei have been collaborating for over a decade to launch innovative technologies and services. Pursuant to Network2020 MoU signed during 2015 Mobile World Congress; we set out to assist Etisalat in outlining their future network framework architecture vision and produce a 5 year roadmap to realize this vision. We believe future network and operation goals, presented in this whitepaper will enable Etisalat to offer better and innovative user experience and services over the next decade." says Alan Wang, President of Huawei Etisalat Global Key Account.
The White Paper underlines the vision of Etisalat Group to harness its technological vision and key industry advances to provide innovative premium and differentiated service experiences for customers. The adaption of new architecture and processes outlined in White Paper will enable Etisalat Group to devise a practical 5-year road-map for the adaption of SDN and NFV technologies. It also provides a detail understanding of the impact of SDN/NFV adaption on the existing platform and processes. This will greatly assist Etisalat Group to facilitate a smooth transformation so customers will be able to enjoy existing and innovative new ICT services more rapidly and with the best in reliability and quality.
The "Etisalat - 2020 Landscape" White Paper is just one of a variety of joint initiatives being undertaken through the companies’ partnership. Following the launch of the White Paper, Etisalat Group and Huawei will continue to collaborate to accomplish the network and operations architecture outlined in the White Paper through further initiatives for SDN/NFV technology. This builds upon a long-standing partnership, which has enabled Etisalat Group to bring a number of technology firsts to the region.
