Transitioning from traditional hardware-based infrastructures to flexible and scalable cloud-native telecom environments

Today, the telecommunications industry is witnessing massive growth trends that demand a new, cloud-native approach to delivering services and supporting customers. Gone are the days of proprietary infrastructure and displays of impressive feature sets meant to woo potential investors more than customers. Telecommunications, particularly from the customer viewpoint, are largely about seamless continuity and real-time operations (Mijumbi et al., 2016; Bhamare et al., 2017; Cziva & Pezaros, 2017). This is an industry where an "always on" mentality has become de facto, where change is the norm and not the exception, and in terms of the physical infrastructure, cannot be done within data center confines.

Thankfully, we have technology to thank for the necessary framework and philosophies to operate in this light. Service-driven endpoint, cloud-native design, IoT integration, and dedicated machine-to-machine backend services are all themes that have arisen over the years in this industry. In short, the Internet dictates the most effective infrastructure, services, and direction for any provider looking to stay competitive across distributed marketplaces. Though leveraging the cloud offers some much-needed advantages, even the staffing and culture change brought on by cloud-native is a welcomed evolution in this traditional industry.

The purpose of this study is to explore potential cloud-native solutions to the cavalcade of problems affecting this industry today. Throughout this study, we will discuss the benefits of utilizing container technology, the various implications of service mesh creation, and strategies for when and how best to leverage continuous deployment chains that are AI-informed. Where appropriate, we will also help set the stakes by providing a review of the current telecommunications industry and why the development is significant for operational stakeholders. These potential industry outcomes will be discussed with the results. This study is important for all telecommunications operators and related professional organizations to include both national governmental technology councils.