From legacy to leading edge: Transforming the CSP workforce

Song Toh, senior director of product management, Dell Technologies

Disaggregated networks and cloud-native architectures give communications service providers (CSPs) the opportunity to leverage best-of-breed equipment and services from multiple vendors, throughout the network. In this software-driven, modern telecommunications environment, CSPs can engage vendors as needed to gain innovation, better pricing and many other benefits.

This is a stark contrast to traditional, aggregated networks, which rely on a single vendor’s technologies and services. The costs and limitations of single-vendor environments become apparent when trying to evolve network infrastructure. Updates typically only occur when components reach end-of-life, making innovation dependent on the vendor’s timeline.

As CSPs begin to embrace disaggregated networks and cloud-native architectures, they’re facing a critical challenge: preparing their workforce to meet the challenges of more open, complex, flexible and agile environments. The shift demands new skills, mindsets and processes. Forward-thinking service providers are successfully evolving their workforces while leveraging their deep network expertise to deliver more agile and flexible services that benefit their customers.

Multi-vendor cloud-native networks require new management approaches

In a traditional network environment with one network equipment provider (NEP), the NEP is largely responsible for deployment, maintenance and upgrades, and CSPs depend on their expertise. CSPs also have one go-to network resource.

Cloud-native, disaggregated networks are different. They enable telecommunications providers to quickly change or upgrade their networks, gain flexibility and avoid vendor lock-in – but they require managing multiple vendors. This requires a fundamentally new approach to network management, as well as new skillsets, including coordination across multiple technology vendors and understanding complex technical dependencies.

New operating environments need new skills and new thinking

Cloud-native transformation requires a shift in mindset, from a reactive to a proactive approach to network management. Telecommunications providers are training and developing their workforces to adapt to new operating environments, starting with the fundamentals of the architecture and the layers of cloud-native networks and then developing teams skilled in managing multi-layered architectures.

As telecoms transition from single-vendor networks to complex cloud environments, they need to build strong software, automation and DevOps capabilities rather than solely relying on vendor solutions. I’m observing a shift where operators are starting to develop their own applications and tools, run their own certifications, enabling daily updates and improvements instead of lengthy legacy upgrade cycles.

DevOps and automation build the foundation for AI-driven network management

DevOps and automation are inseparable. CSPs must prioritize automation expertise in their workforce. It’s essential for managing the various components of cloud-native networks effectively. Teams need comprehensive skills to implement, operate and analyze automated systems.

Disaggregated network architecture requires best-of-breed automation for different components, with high-skill implementation to maintain stringent SLAs. No single automation tool can manage an entire network, so telecommunications providers need to strategically implement automation tools across their infrastructure and integrate them together to deliver their customer-facing services.

Automation also serves as the foundation for artificial intelligence (AI). Without comprehensive automated processes, AI tools cannot effectively learn from operations, identify anomalies or suggest improvements. By systematically automating their operational processes, CSPs can unlock AI’s full potential to optimize their multi-vendor environments and manage complex network variables.

Transformed networks demand leading-edge OSS/BSS

To achieve improved business outcomes in today’s increasingly competitive telecommunications landscape, operators need to transform their business support systems and operations support systems. Success depends on building a workforce proficient in integrating automation and AI with cloud-native network architecture, driving both operational excellence and market agility.

Organizations must look beyond just adopting new technologies – they need experts who can manage complex multi-vendor environments and leverage cloud architectures to drive innovation and create new revenue opportunities.

Telecommunications providers that delay taking this comprehensive approach – combining strategic vision, skilled workforce development and effective execution – risk falling behind. Not only will they struggle to innovate, but they may also fail to maintain their current business. Increasing security exposure of aging technology is just one example. Market leaders are building resilient organizations that deploy services faster, enhance customer experiences and achieve stronger financial performance.