Transforming Telecom: The Human Factor in the Digital Revolution
The telecom industry is facing a pressing need for transformation, driven by the pressure to modernize infrastructure, automate operations, and diversify revenue streams. While this concept may seem straightforward, the reality is that telecom transformation requires a multi-faceted approach that involves business and operational change, in addition to technological upgrades. Key Challenges
• Managing technological complexity
• Overhauling business and operating models
• Cultivating new skill sets across the workforce
The Importance of Human Factors
Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Telecom Systems Business at Dell Technologies, emphasizes the importance of considering human factors in telecom transformation. “If you change an architecture from a vertical architecture to a horizontal architecture, to think that the humans that actually operate the architecture don’t also have to change—their job descriptions, skill sets, even the way they’re organized—would be silly,” he said. Hoffman highlights that the industry often gets excited about new technologies, but neglects to account for the human factors that must change. This includes not just updating job descriptions and skill sets, but also reorganizing work processes and cultures.
“At the end of the day, I think AI has become this really interesting catalyst,” Hoffman said. “It gets the architects of telecommunications networks thinking about what happens when I start to put in technologies that don’t come from traditional telecom vendors.”
A Four-Step Transformation Program
Dell Technologies has introduced a four-step transformation program for CSPs, based on decades of experience in enterprise IT. The framework covers planning, building, managing, and running modern telecom infrastructure, with flexibility to return operations to the CSP or provide fully managed services.
- Planning
- Building
- Managing
- Running
These steps focus on establishing a consistent horizontal platform from core to edge to RAN, which is critical for modernizing telecom infrastructure.
Integrating AI and Automation
Cristina Rodriguez, Vice President and General Manager of the Communication Solutions Group at Intel, highlights the importance of integrating AI and automation in telecom transformation. “It’s a fantastic opportunity we have—transforming the network to be software-defined, cloud-based, and server-based,” she said. Rodriguez emphasizes the need for a mindset shift from an operations point of view, as traditional radio and network operations skills must now be paired with expertise in cloud infrastructure and software development.
A New Era of Collaboration
The collaboration between Dell and Intel is a prime example of how partners can drive telecom transformation forward. The two companies have been working together for years to bring the biggest value to CSPs, with a shared vision for a horizontal, cloud-native telecom future. Introducing Intel’s Xeon 6 System-on-Chip
Intel’s Xeon 6 system-on-chip brings AI acceleration and power savings to the network edge, without requiring additional accelerator hardware. This innovation has the potential to unlock new capabilities in 5G Standalone core networks and transform the way networks are designed and operated.
The Human Factor in AI Adoption
The adoption of AI in telecom networks presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI can bring significant benefits, such as improved network performance and security, it also requires significant changes to business and operational models. Key Takeaways
• CSPs must consider human factors in their transformation journey
• A holistic approach is necessary, involving business and operational change, in addition to technological upgrades
• Partnerships between companies like Dell and Intel can drive telecom transformation forward
Conclusion
The transformation of the telecom industry is a complex and challenging process that requires a multi-faceted approach. By considering the human factor and working together with partners, CSPs can create a foundation for success that drives long-term innovation and growth. The collaboration between Dell and Intel is a prime example of how this can be achieved, and their shared vision for a horizontal, cloud-native telecom future is an exciting prospect for the industry.
