A couple days ago we talked about some of the big trends we’re tracking in 2016: gigabit networks, the pay TV decline and data security for connected devices. But there’s still more to explore – today we’re going to take a look at some of the other hot items in telecom.
SDN and NFV technology is going to change the game for CSPs. It’s possible that software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) technologies will become mainstream options for Communications Service Providers (CSPs) in the next 5 years. What benefits will providers see from implementing SDN and NFV? With SDN we’re looking at more reliable bandwidth delivery, flexible networks and reduced operational costs. NFV promises faster time to market, new services enablement and the ability to scale resources up and down at a lower cost. CSPs interested in learning more can start with this guide on uniting legacy and emerging technologies.
Smartphones are in nearly everybody’s pockets. Did you know that 200 million people in U.S. own smartphones? That equals about an 80% smartphone penetration rate according to comScore. Whether an iPhone or an Android, these devices account for a majority of internet traffic. CSPs eager to stay tuned to the needs of consumers (particularly young adults) need to prepare for a mobile future. Is your website mobile friendly? Can your customers quickly access account information from their phones? How easy is it for them to make a payment if they’re browsing their email during a morning commute?
IoT developers are racing to establish industry standards. Have you caught up on all of Mapcom’s Internet of Things (IoT) blogs? If not, you can find those here and here. IoT (also known in some circles as Machine-to-Machine, or M2M) technology is advancing faster than the industry can regulate it. As the market has become more saturated with products, companies have begun to recognize the necessity for some standards; after all, what is the point of interconnected machines that cannot actually connect? oneM2M, the global standards initiative for M2M/IoT, recently released its global specifications in an effort to enable interworking devices. We can expect to see more cooperation as manufacturers prioritize interoperability over exclusivity.
Have you spotted a trend that we haven’t covered yet? We’d love to hear from you today!