The “new IP” is a term that has very recently taken hold of the telecom industry, describing the future of networking and telecommunications practices. A state-of-the-art virtualized IP network, the new IP is ushering in a new age of networking and connectivity, shaking things up with a major paradigm shift throughout the information and communications technology (ICT) community. As the Internet continues on its path toward becoming a highly user-centric environment, networks and providers are forced to face this progress head-on, embracing change with the proliferation of virtualized networks and a heavy focus on software and service. Failing to embody these new developments in their overall business model can spell certain death to networks and providers as they are left in the dust by progressive competition. Educating yourself and your staff is critical to making intelligent and informed decisions regarding the future of your software, networks, operations and services.
Out with the old, in with the new
The key to understanding the new IP is taking a hard look at the details in the shift from old to new that are currently underway. In the old IP structure, there was a major focus on network and infrastructure with rigid architecture and centralized IT decisions. Now, thanks to development of the new IP, focus has shifted entirely thrusting virtualized networks, data centers, cloud application, mobility, BYOD, content and application functions into the lime-light. With a cloud-like design, the new IP scales to clients and resources on-demand focusing its efforts directly on the user as opposed to an IT-based, rigid architecture. Software is now the backbone of the new IP, ditching the hardware-centric mentality as a thing of the past and its newly open platform, open-sourced and on-demand construction provides an experience driven by agility and usability to end users like never before.
What this means for the wholesale telecom industry
As early adopters move toward restructuring in the renaissance of the new IP, the secret to staying ahead is an overall virtualization of network processes focusing on simplified software defined networks (SDNs), modernized operations, network function virtualization (NFV), and open-source, open-interface services. The new IP has the potential to save service providers’ bottom line with regards to both capital expenses (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX) while generating revenue through content-driven services. How is this possible? The answer lies within virtualization of the network landscape. Reducing necessary hardware purchases as well as utilizing automated on-demand services creates an environment that provides cost-savings through an effective use of infrastructure and personnel resources. To remain successful, service providers must overcome antiquated proprietary attitudes and develop effective customer relations practices as the end-user experience is thrust to the forefront of all efforts. As a result of mobile data expansion, cloud services, big data and analytics and the Internet of things (IoT), the demand for scalable networks has increased exponentially making adoption of the new IP practices critical to remaining relevant in the changing IT landscape.
How will this affect the end-user?
The new IP is great news for end-users. This operational shift is bringing with it enhanced control and flexibility when choosing services and applications. As users continue to develop their Internet-literacy, the new IP is changing the landscape to suit their needs, allowing a fully customized experience controlled by the users themselves, interchanging and adding new services in minutes rather than months. The simplification of all Internet-related operations brought on by the new IP structure leads to a more user-friendly and interactive experience, propelling services and usability to the forefront.
If you want to stay ahead of the game, it’s time to re-think traditional practices and embrace the future of the new IP movement. This vision of a nearly completely virtualized IP network is no longer the musings of visionaries, but a very real and quickly approaching rebirth of the network landscape as we know it. For network providers, this will prove to be an arena for the survival of the fittest, and those who are poised to adapt to the environment paved by the new IP will come out on top. Keep yourself informed and prepare for what lies ahead to guarantee your spot in the winners’ circle.
As the President of the Northeast DAS & Small Cell Association (NEDAS), lissa Miller brings more than 17 years of experience in sales, marketing and product development insights to the group. In addition to her role at NEDAS, Ilissa is the CEO of iMiller Public Relations where she works with global telecom and technology companies and is the Sponsorship Sales Director for the North American Network Operator's Group (NANOG). Ilissa has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the emerging global telecommunications and technology industries.
