AT&T, BT, Orange, Singtel and Vodafone, five companies leading the way for next-generation telecom services across Asia Pacific.
That’s according to IDC research, which outlines the criteria for success in the service provider space, acknowledging comprehensiveness of offerings, software-defined networks and cloud capabilities, in addition to partner ecosystems and innovation strategies.
Specifically, these service providers have demonstrated “strong” regional network presence, alongside “leadership” in software-defined technologies and a “comprehensive suite” of enterprise cloud and managed ICT service offerings.
Furthermore, a “diverse portfolio” of services in areas such as Internet of Things (IoT) and collaboration in the region have also been recognised, as well as a large base of mid and large-sized enterprises, multinational corporations (MNCs), and government clients across the region.
“Communication service providers (CSPs) operating in Asia Pacific are seeking to become the ICT partner of choice for enterprises looking for rapid growth in their respective countries and regionally,” IDC senior research manager, Nikhil Batra, said.
“These enterprises are embracing 3rd Platform technologies and pushing efforts to digitally transform their businesses.
“To this end, CSPs are helping enterprises achieve their goals with a portfolio of solutions and products that include software-defined networking (SDN), hybrid cloud deployments, and managed services.”
As explained by Batra, IDC identified five communication service providers, or CSPs, as leaders based on the research firm’s vendor analysis model, with Vodafone being the newest entrant.
But there are plenty of challengers in the market, also.
This pack of leaders is closely followed by major players in Asia Pacific, which includes regional service providers such as Telstra, NTT Coms and GCX along with global service providers like Verizon and Tata Communications.
“CSPs are attempting to go ‘digital’ themselves as they transform their networks to incorporate software-defined and virtualisation paradigms,” Batra added.
“While also investing heavily in analytics, automation, and other emerging technologies that will transform not just their network architectures but ultimately, their business.”
According to Batra, some of the key differentiators for success in this market include a “comprehensive portfolio” of software-defined networking and virtual network services, backed up by treating networks as a strategic asset and a differentiator.
Furthermore, leading CSPs must act as a “strategic partner” for enterprise customers, providing a “well-rounded” managed security services portfolio in the process.
