Bell deploys Google Distributed Cloud Edge in network
Bell Canada and Google Cloud have completed the world's first implementation of Google Distributed Cloud Edge for core network functions (CNF).
The two first started working together last year when Bell tapped Google Cloud for multi-cloud, data analytics and AI related tech. They're also working together to explore how 5G and mobile edge computing can power new opportunities across industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail and government.
This latest development transitions Bell's operation into a multi-cloud network and will see it deploy its core network functions – such as but not limited to 5G – in a variety of different architectures.
"Bell is building a network of the future that will scale up to embrace the demands of 5G-enabled applications, and additionally enable us to offer these capabilities to innovative third-party application providers who want to tap into 5G networks," said Petri Lyytikainen, VP network, Bell.
"Our partnership with Google Cloud and our work with Google Distributed Cloud Edge will help us accelerate our cloud transformation journey."
Details from the two were light, however, Bell did list scale, efficiency, innovation and flexibility as the key benefits for its network.
Distributed Cloud Edge supports 5G core and RAN functions at the edge.
"Network data traffic is higher than ever and communication service providers are increasingly looking for new ways to achieve scale, efficiency, and reliability while also discovering new business opportunities," said Amol Phadke, MD, telecom industry solutions, Google Cloud.
"By successfully deploying Google Distributed Cloud Edge in their networks, Bell is able to reimagine its infrastructure management while serving differentiated network experiences to both public and enterprise customers."
NTT DOCOMO and NEC enter into performance PoC with AWS
NTT DOCOMO and NEC Corporation have launched a proof-of-concept (PoC) testing to run NEC's 5G core network (5GC) service in a hybrid cloud environment that leverages the AWS cloud using end-to-end cloud-native network architecture.
The three parties said they expect to prove "the viability of cloud-native mobile networks leveraging a public cloud for network function virtualization (NFV)".
It also will validate the energy efficiency of AWS Graviton2 processors when used for NEC's 5G core in the AWS cloud. As the first step, 5G core network functions will run in the cloud on AWS infrastructure and corresponding 5G CNFs will reside on DOCOMO's on-premises infrastructure.
The second step will deploy the 5GC network function on AWS Outposts (on Amazon EC2 compute instances powered by Graviton2 processors) on DOCOMO's premises.
The processors are described as delivering "a major leap in performance", reducing "the carbon footprint for energy efficiency".
"We are excited to conduct this proof-of-concept with NEC's advanced cloud-native 5GC and AWS's innovative cloud infrastructure technology. We believe this collaboration will lead to the further evolution of networks and network virtualisation," says Naoki Tani, EVP, CTO, EGM of the R&D Innovation Division of DOCOMO.
"The PoC will realise a hybrid cloud environment for telecom operators, resulting in accelerating the telecom industry's evolution by delivering significant value to our customers.
A1 Telekom Austria Group joins Structura-X
Structura-X, the European cloud infrastructure initiative that officially launched at the end of February, has welcomed another new member, A1 Telekom Austria Group.
Structura-X aims to implement Gaia-X standards for infrastructure services and, as a result of the wider A1 Group's involvement, subsidiary A1 Digital and the cloud solution Exoscale are now involved within Gaia-X.
"We very much welcome the focus on the implementation of the Gaia-X standards within Structura-X. With Exoscale, we already offer a European solution to enable companies to host their IT workloads in a GDPR-compliant manner. The new initiative is an important step to enable digital sovereignty in Europe," says Mathias Nöbauer, CEO of Exoscale and director cloud, A1 Digital.
A1 joins AssoSoftware, City Network, Cloud&Heat Technologies, CS Group, CSI, EBRC, Elmec, Fabasoft, International Dataspaces, IONOS SE, KPN, Luxinnovation, Mainstream, next layer, OpenNebula Systems, OSISM, ThreeFold Tech, Tietoevry, United Group and Vivacom.
Back in November when the idea for Structura-X was first aired, seven European providers initially agreed on the common goal: Atos, Aruba.it, DE-CIX, Deutsche Telekom, Engineering, Noovle and TOP-IX.
Noovle and TIM start search for cloud and AI start-ups
The Noovle Cloud Challenge is underway in as TIM's cloudco Noovle, and its open innovation program TIM WCAP, launch a search for "the most innovative businesses in cloud and Artificial Intelligence".
The project aims to identify the most advanced technological solutions, capable of exploiting the potential of cloud and AI to support the digital transformation of companies and public administrations, in line with Noovle’s strategy to build a portfolio of products and services with added value for the market.
The focus areas are: E-health, sustainability and container as a service with the deadline for submissions set for 31 March.
