What is cloud computing?
- Internet-based computing, remote computing
- Often subscription-based or free
- On demand
- Managed by third-party
- Optional: automatic updates/back-ups, synchronisation across devices
OTT players (B2C):
- Apple: iCloud, iTunes, iPhone, iPod, iPad.
- Google: Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Chromebook, Google Music, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Apps, YouTube, Picasa, Google Fiber, cloud connect for Microsoft Office.
- Microsoft: Office 365, Lync, SkyDrive, Azure.
- Amazon: Cloud Drive, Cloud Player, Kindle, Amazon Web Services.
- Yahoo!: Yahoo! Mail, Flickr.
Services (B2C):
- Any file: Amazon Cloud Drive, Box.net
- Music: Spotify, Google Music (beta), Apple iCloud
- Photos: Flickr
- Video: Netflix, YouTube, Uitzendinggemist, BBC iPlayer, UltraViolet
- Presentations: SlideShare, SlideRocket
- Social networking: Facebook, LinkedIn, Hyves
- OS (turn iPad or Chromebook into fully-fledged computer): Chrome OS
- Office: Microsoft Office 365, Google Docs/Apps, Zoho
- Individual file storage (for sharing): RapidShare, MegaUpload, zShare
- Back-up, remote access: Dropbox, Mozy, Carbonite
Telco acquisitions (B2B), bringing data centers and services to the table:
- NTT Com: Dimension Data, Frontline Systems
- Verizon: Terremark
- CenturyLink: Savvis
- Windstream: Hosted Solutions
- TDS: Visi
- Cincinatti Bell: CyrusOne
- Time Warner Cable: NaviSite
- Telefonica: Acens Technologies
Operator initiatives (B2B):
- Netflix is a big AWS (Amazon) customer for its Watch Instantly streaming service.
- KPN launches SME Workspace: software and services from KPN CyberCenters at 40 EUR/employee/month (May 31 2011).
- Telstra to invest AUD 800m over 5 years; 1 new datacenter, modernising existing, building new apps and a management portal (June 16 2011).
Developer platforms (B2B):
- Salesforce.com: Force.com
- VMware: Cloud Foundry
- Microsoft: Azure
- Amazon: BeanStalk
- Google: App Engine
Computer vs. cloud:
- As the computer/files/hard disks are cut out of the ecosystem and the cloud replaces them: a. connectivity becomes more important, and b. the computer ecosystem (Microsoft, Intel) stands to lose.
Infrastructure and connectivity:
- Syncing/back-ups/updates will be done over WiFi, so wireless will not be burdened (for now). WiFi becomes even more important. Ultimately, WiFi implies fiber.
- Other network elements (CDN's, data centers, servers) may also become more important. However, Apple (and Google) are using their own private networks.
- Operators have control over the last mile, but Apple (and Google) may control all the other network elements. Next battlegrounds: WiFi, FTTH (as in Google Fiber).
- Amazon Web Services provides cloud services to smaller players.
- Hosting, co-location, housing.
Data:
- Enormous lock-in for Apple (and Google) will work in their favour. They control the subscriber's data. Will operators have an answer and provide these services: put all your data in our cloud, with automatic back-up and syncing?
- Apple's system is closed: plays on iOS devices only.
- Apple and Google are going OTT, while operators have their own managed and secure infrastructure.
- Is email (Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, Gmail) the basis of developing a cloud strategy?
Other players:
- Do cloud-based players such as Facebook, Dropbox, Zoho, Flickr, SlideRocket, Netflix, Evernote have a future?
- Ericsson is in a way the biggest operator in the world, through its managed services. They can be a partner for telcos, which can then focus on sales & marketing.
- Is UltraViolet still relevant? It's open, runs anywhere.
General:
- Cloud negatives: security (privacy), reliability (access), latency. Also: digital media fragmentation across multiple clouds and devices.
- Cloud positives: better functionality and flexibility, faster and automatic updates (everything as a service), cost savings (lower capex/opex), shift from capex (hardware) to opex (subscription).
Benefits for consumers:
- Lower cost (SaaS, Slim PC)
- Buy once, play anywhere (streaming)
- Sync across devices
- Share among family members
What is the future role of a telco?
- Infrastructure? Last mile (fixed and wireless) is too expensive to replicate
- Cloud computing? Local and managed datacenters offer better security.
- Services, sales & marketing? OTT players are building direct-to-consumer relationships, with credit card billing.
- Telcos are squeezed: competition, regulation, device manufacturers, OTT players.
Apple iCloud limitations:
- iOS devices only.
- No TV/video.
- WiFi only.
- Video calls (FaceTime) limited to on-net over WiFi.
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