Cloud computing has emerged as a top priority and a long-term, cost-effective solution to store content, both in the enterprise space as well as with consumers. As mobile and fixed broadband penetration in Latin America spreads, operators seeking to rise up the value chain should consider cloud computing as a first step to expanding their service portfolio and getting in sync with global IT trends, according to a new report from Pyramid Research.
RCR Wireless Newsrecently talked with Jose Manuel Mercado, a senior analyst at Pyramid and author of thes report, about the survey’s main topics.
RCR Wireless – How mature is the Latin America market for cloud computing, in term of operators and SMEs offers?
Jose Manuel Mercado – Cloud services are just arising and in the Mexican case, specifically fixed operators, are starting to launch different kinds of cloud services to a market that could be divided between large companies that have more knowledge about these types of services and how they can improve their business and the small and micro companies that need more information related with how cloud services could help them to improve their different IT processes.
RCR Wireless – The Pyramid study reveals that operators are considering cloud computing to expand their service portfolio and get in sync with global IT trends. Are carriers already doing that?
Jose Manuel Mercado – Yes, as the report mentioned, for the Mexican case, carriers are offering cloud-based services, with a broad portfolio from private clouds to public clouds, applications for different verticals. Carriers have the advantage that they own the entire infrastructure, from the access, data centers up to the app, which positions them with a competitive advantage over system integrators.
RCR Wireless – How should carriers take advantage of the cloud? Should they be players, offering cloud services, or should they focus on providing connectivity?
Jose Manuel Mercado – There are many advantages, including their knowledge of the domestic market, with long-term relationships with their current clients. Fixed operators need to focus on the provision of IT services to overcome the decline in their traditional voice services. This shift toward the IT environment is crucial for any operator in a sector where outsourced service adoption is increasing. As fixed operators deploy better networks, with faster speeds and reliability, the provision of cloud services is a natural step to be taken by them.
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