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Cost

Platforms that are horizontally integrated can also reduce the total cost of ownership ( TCO ) compared with silo-based , vertically integrated deployments .

and resilient across the network architecture , right from the cell site to the mobile edge . Instead of vertical silos , where applications are specific to a vendor , network and user functions are connected to the Edge and scalable through a horizontal cloud platform , better positioning CSPs to generate improved performance and cost efficiencies .

Performance

Containers are portable across a hybrid environment . Using a horizontal cloud , performance can more easily be optimised in real-time , due to an improved ability to move applications across different locations in a network according to situational changes . For example , a sporting event at a large stadium may require temporary lower latency at that location for applications to ensure a seamless end-user experience . The premise of a horizontal cloud is it enables operators to more easily relocate workloads closer to the end-user ( e . g . the Edge at or next to the stadium ) for improved latency and reduced bandwidth needs towards the core .

Platforms that are horizontally integrated can also reduce the total cost of ownership ( TCO ) compared with silo-based , vertically integrated deployments . Horizontal platforms enable applications to be easily automated , while the vertical alternative requires more tools , processes and is more likely to lock service providers into one vendor offering . The multivendor approach gives providers greater flexibility and allows them to benefit from an accessible , smartly distributed ecosystem .

When it comes to operating expenses , vertically integrated deployments require the design and running of separate infrastructure silos according to how many software vendors are being used . According to a recent ACG Research analyst paper , sponsored by Red Hat , with a horizontal approach communications service providers can halve the engineering , planning and management expenses , cut the cost of securing multiple silos by a third , as well as saving on multiple software licenses . This reduces the TCO by as much as 30 %.

Common challenges

The benefits of horizontally integrated infrastructure are clear , so why are some communications service providers shy to move away from silo-based operations ? One reason is that , as Edge Computing strategies became available , a number of companies prematurely tried to adopt a horizontal approach . Cloud platforms were not fully optimised at the time to function efficiently in the space , so vertical strategies were adopted as a reliable alternative .

This has resulted in some service providers feeling stuck with a vertical platform strategy . And for those unfamiliar with horizontal cloud integrations , using multiple vendors may seem a complex venture . However , it is worth taking the time to understand how to build a more open , collaborative architecture , since the end result is more flexible , scalable , efficient and adaptable to performance needs .

As telco providers make strategic and structural innovations to improve the scalability , speed and performance of their network services , many are at a crossroads as they consider their options for edge architecture . By embracing an open hybrid cloud model that ’ s horizontally integrated across both core and distributed sites , CSPs will be able to manage , execute and automate the applications needed to run these solutions efficiently and cost-effectively across deployment environments . This lays the foundation for future services and business innovation . p

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