Why telco vendors are hesitant about network disaggregation
So far in this blog series, we’ve discussed network disaggregation, what it is, why it matters, and why operators might be reticent to take the plunge. Now it's time to turn our heads to the vendors. Society is becoming increasingly digital, and the number of devices and how we use them has skyrocketed in the last few decades. For a long time, the network grid was able to keep up. Now, it has reached its economical limit.
The time to evolve has come, and network disaggregation is our best shot. Yet vendors continue to hesitate.
Let’s have a look at why.
What is network disaggregation?
Network disaggregation breaks down the conventional, vertically integrated network model by separating software and hardware components. This enables operators to select the best products, avoiding vendor lock-in and allowing them to create a more personalized and high-performing network.
In short, disaggregation paves the way for the mixing and matching of hardware and software from different suppliers, creating an open and competitive market with more choice and freedom.
Why vendors are hesitating
Naturally, vendor lock-in benefits the vendors. Network disaggregation threatens this, undermining their revenue streams, leaving established vendors fearing the loss of control over the market and their businesses.
On top of this, experience is battling progress. It’s the age-old tale of seniority versus youth, where fear of change is either too great or not great enough; those who see disaggregation as an unnecessary risk and those who recognize it for what it is: the inevitable next step.
Emerging newcomers such as DriveNets, RtBrick, Edgecore, and Ufispace favor this evolution. With their innovative mindsets, they have been quick to embrace the endless opportunities network disaggregation provides, such as flexibility, customization, cost efficiency, and speed.
Why hesitating is dangerous
Not all change is worth it. Sometimes, it’s better to keep a steady course and ride the storm. But stagnation can also be the death of a business. Steve Jobs once said that innovation is the distinction between a leader and a follower. As the world becomes more digital, the network grid must evolve to meet new demands. Vendors who refuse to evolve will be left behind, both by their customers and their competitors. If vendors want to be part of the selection pool, they must act today.
Before it’s too late.
“Disaggregation has emerged as a key solution for modernizing network architecture. By building networks like the cloud-natives, the approach helps service providers tackle today’s main challenges, offering a path towards more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective network management. From AT&T to Deutsche Telekom, the world’s leading companies have already made significant deployments of disaggregated solutions, and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of the space along with software vendors such as RtBrick, Drivenets and others.” – Ray Chang, R&D Director at UfiSpace.
The disaggregated road ahead
he network disaggregation industry has been rapidly growing, and the vendor landscape is larger than ever.
Clearly, the future is now, and it’s time to grab hold of it. There’s no doubt that this network evolution will take over; it’s only a question of when. While the industry will always need a mix of experience and innovation, in the case of network disaggregation, there is an urgent need to move forward.
If you’re concerned about this shift and would like more insight into the world of network disaggregation, read our Manifesto. This guide lays out the key principles of network disaggregation, why it’s necessary, its industry benefits, and most importantly: RtBrick's vision for the future.