Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) vs. Software Defined Networking (SDN)

This free extract from our recent Executive Briefing on Software Defined Networking (SDN): A Potential 'Game Changer', describes 'Network Functions Virtualisation' (NFV), the problems it solves, and how it relates to SDN. (More)

Surviving the Cloud Commoditisation Crunch

We're conducting new research into the future shape of cloud services in the enterprise market. The research asks what the "end game" might look like, what are the options for service providers to accelerate adoption, and tests our hypothesis on CSPs' key survival advantage when the inevitable commoditisation "Cloud Crunch" takes place as the market matures. Contributors will receive a full copy of the survey results. (More)

Elastic Networks: Cisco's view

What are the business benefits and opportunities that could and should be driven by the latest developments in 'Elastic Networks'? This guest post lays out the four key themes of Cisco's vision of future networks. (More)

Software Defined Networking (SDN): A Potential 'Game-Changer'

An overview of Software Defined Networking (SDN), how it differs from traditional networking technologies, its potential benefits, use cases, strategic scenarios and key action plans for telcos, and why it is so important for both the telco and vendor communities to adopt and exploit SDN capabilities now. (More)

Cloud 2.0 Workshops: Fast-track your Cloud Strategy

We now offer private workshops for clients looking to fast-track their Cloud Strategy, helping to size market potential, benchmark against best in practice, secure internal alignment of objectives and plans, prioritise key activities, and select candidate vendor partners as required. The workshops are based on our proprietary Cloud 2.0 Research and run by our experienced senior analysts who have hands-on experience of delivering cloud services in the real world. (More)

Making Transformation and Innovation Happen
Registration now open

Specifically designed for innovators, strategists and decision-makers in the Middle East and North Africa, the invitation only event forms part of the New Digital Economics Executive Brainstorm & Innovation Series. The event will drive forward industry agendas and company action plans in the areas of:

   • DIGITAL ECONOMY: Strategic Growth Opportunities for a Hyper-Connected World
   • DIGITAL COMMERCE: Mobile-enabling the 'wheel of commerce' in the MENA region
   • DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT: The True Role for Mobile
   • DIGITAL THINGS: New Opportunities in M2M and the Internet of Things

As a new feature this year we will be featuring Innovation Match Maker! an interactive forum bringing together carefully selected and proven innovations with companies seeking to launch new services quickly.

The video below shows highlights from last year's Brainstorm and Innovation Forum.

Customer Experience: Is it Time for Mobile CDNs (Content Delivery Networks)?

Changing consumer behaviours and the transition to 4G are likely to bring about a fresh surge of video traffic on many networks. Fortunately, mobile content delivery networks (CDNs), which should deliver both better customer experience and better costs, are now potentially an option for carriers using a combination of technical advances and new strategic approaches to network design. This briefing examines why, how, and what operators should do, and includes lessons from Akamai, Level 3, Amazon, and Google. (More)

90% Silicon Valley Execs: Management Mindset Must Change in Telco, Media, Banking& Retail

Value is squeezed out of industries as they become increasingly digital, an effect that we've called 'The Great Compression'. But which companies will survive and prosper - and how? Execs at our Silicon Valley brainstorm identified 'management mindset' as a key factor. (More)

Mobile Wallet: Time for a rethink

The 'Mobile/Digital Wallet' needs to evolve to support authentication, search and discovery, as well as payments, vouchers, tickets and loyalty programmes. Moreover, consumers will want to be able to tailor the functionality of this "commerce assistant" or "commerce agent" to fit with their own interests and preferences. (More)

The Internet of Things: What's Hot in The IoT?

'The Internet of Things' (IoT) is one of the big ideas of the moment. But what are the areas in which value is being created now, and what is technological hype? (More)

Digital Entertainment: What Gets Measured Gets Money

The key steps for mobile entertainment services to generate revenues commensurate to the attention it receives are: to improve measurement of the success of 'discovery' tools, create more effective creative inventory, and deliver proof of its effectiveness, not just the attention. (More)

Digital Commerce: Show me the (Mobile) Money

Many companies are struggling to build a mobile commerce business case that generates significant incremental revenues in the next five years. But some will ultimately use digital wallets to create a valuable platform that bolsters customer loyalty and produces substantial revenues from location-based marketing, advertising and the management of personal data. What are the barriers, how can they be overcome, and which companies will overcome them? (More)

A Practical Guide to Implementing Telco 2.0

How can communications services providers (CSPs) transform their businesses from Telco 1.0 (infrastructure-led stasis) to Telco 2.0 (sustainable innovation-led growth)? An essential, step-by-step guide to the implementation of new Telco 2.0 business models, providing telecoms executives and their partner companies with a systematic approach to capitalise on new opportunities and neutralise potential threats. The report outlines robust frameworks and methodologies for selecting the right Telco 2.0 strategy for each organization, identifying and implementing the key opportunities, and avoiding expensive and time-consuming mistakes. (More)

Cloud 2.0: Telco Strategies in the Cloud

Telco 2.0 presents a new strategy report examining the evolution of cloud services; the current opportunities for vendors and Telcos in the Cloud market, plus a penetrating analysis on the positioning Telcos need to adapt in order to take advantage of the potential $200Bn global Cloud services market. This report offers over 140 pages of insightful commentary from those who've been working at the cutting edge, and includes an introduction to the sector's key technologies and emerging trends, as well as detailed recommendations for Telcos and vendors. (More)