FEATURE : 5G
organisations will need robust Digital Transformation strategies supported by systems such as enterprise resource planning ( ERP ) platforms that can process , store and analyse vast amounts of data from huge numbers of disparate sources .
5G challenges
While there is no denying that 5G deployments have taken off on a good note in the Middle East , there are some challenges still persist for enterprises in the region .
Maciej Nowakowski , Head , Systems Design , Secure Land Communications , Airbus , said the cost of coverage in rural areas may be challenging for mobile network operators . Nowakowski pointed out that this may require the implementation of special individual contracts for 5G services with enterprises . “ Intercountry and cross-country connectivity also remains challenging for distributed operations in the region ,” he said . “ Other challenges I see include : the maturing of the technology , the fact that there are very many and regionally-fragmented frequency allocations for 5G , a well as the availability of compatible terminals and the coverage available .”
Mansouri said CIOs should look at 5G as the technology that will allow networks to handle hundreds of millions of devices all at the same time . Consequently , he added , they must conduct an audit of their network infrastructures and plan a systematic upgrade or replacement of hardware or software to make way for 5G . Sakhnini pointed out that the ultimate objective of any CIO should be the complete Digital Transformation of their business , supported by the IT environment and not just 5G . “ CIOs should not try to build a standalone 5G environment . 5G requires collaboration across enterprises , operators , integrators , cloud providers and equipment vendors ,” he said . “ Enterprises can benefit from multinationals experience in deploying 5G networks to bring private 5G to their corporation , working closely with application and cloud providers to build a strong ecosystem and use vendor and system
IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE 5G PROMISE , CIOS MUST ENSURE THEIR NETWORKS ARE NOT ONLY AUTOMATED , BUT ADAPTIVE . integrators to complement the implementation with the rest of technologies to achieve a complete digitalisation beyond just 5G , including Wi-Fi , LAN or WAN .”
Femi Oshiga , Vice President , Service Providers MEA , CommScope , said telco operators will not wait for the killer app and will be busy rolling out , densifying and powering the network in a variety of bands while working on driving the standards and technology .
Oshiga believes close co-operation between telco operators and telco equipment suppliers starts with identifying equipment that meets these needs . “ Networks come in all shapes and sizes but they must be designed using the right equipment . Consumers rightly expect this equipment to aesthetically blend into their environment . Form and function matter more than ever ,” he said .
Bridging the skills gap
Aside from 5G deployment challenges , CIOs in the Middle East are grappling with the IT skills challenge and how to bridge this gap especially with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence , 5G , data science , Big Data , etc . Ciena ’ s Mansouri explained that in order to bridge the existing skill gap , CIOs must acquire and retain staff and the skills needed for the increasing pace of technology changes . “ By doing this , they will be helping their executive team acquire business leaders who understand technology to become a trusted advisor ,” he said .
Oshiga said CommScope agrees that there is a huge skills shortage in the IT industry in general and training the ecosystem on skills related to colocation services ( e . g cloud ), breaking the gridlock around increasing diversity , catching people early and being mindful of criterion for ‘ quality ’ and the types of programmes that people can tap into now is critical now if the skills gap is to be shortened . “ CommScope is a founding partner of the Infrastructure Masons . This group specifically focuses on the best practices and developing new talent for the future ,” he said .
Juniper ’ s Sakhnini added that there are several ways skill shortages can be addressed in the data centre space . “ Looking carefully at the multinationals , partners and systems integrators working with your organisation can help CIOs to overcome some of these challenges . Those with the ability to listen and respond to a CIO ’ s unique business objectives , those who pursue a strategy of open , interoperable networking across their portfolios and solutions , will be the partners who can provide meaningful support and managed services that effectively extend a small in-house IT team and that should be a key consideration ,” he said . p
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