Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 42 | Page 82

GET TO KNOW one that moves broadband access and compute closer to the end-user at the network edge . This means increasing the number of distributed Edge data centres , or virtual central offices , by an order of magnitude .
Implementing 5G requires such massive scalability that managing the resources required can no longer be performed manually . Networking , compute and storage resources must be automated to scale effectively . Networking solutions require elements such as selfforming and self-discovery capabilities , Zero Touch provisioning and automatic software upgrades to minimise human intervention and errors while saving time , cost and effort . As we get deeper into the 5G era , diverse dynamics conspire to make it more important than ever to automate solutions to manage the added complexity of the network .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
With theoretical peak data rates up to 100 times faster than current 4G networks , 5G holds the promise of enabling incredible new applications and use cases that are of immense societal value such as autonomous vehicles , AR / VR , IoT / IIoT and the ability to share potentially life-saving high-resolution real-time medical imaging – just to name a few . Telecom , cloud and data centre providers alike look forward to 5G forming a robust Edge ‘ backbone ’ for the industrial Internet to drive innovative new consumer apps , enterprise use cases and increased revenue streams . There are also other pain points beyond infrastructure costs with the need to reduce 5G ’ s growing energy footprint so it has a less negative impact on the environment and to deliver much-needed software control and programmability . than 20 people , it is hard to be as innovative . And it is both exciting and challenging to work with an agile team .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in Europe ?
Most of today ’ s commercial 5G deployments are based on 5G non-standalone , where the 5G deployment is dependent on existing legacy 4G infrastructure , which can be a ‘ killer ’ for innovation .
There are technical and financial challenges to solve before 5G becomes a ubiquitous reality . Because the population density in Europe is higher , you can reach more people with fewer points of presence . Initial deployments are occurring in dense urban areas where the cost can be amortised among more users and there is immense potential for additional uses among tech , industrial , manufacturing and a variety of Smart City applications . Enterprise 5G applications could create new opportunities for Europe ’ s SMEs , enhancing their growth prospects and supporting employment .
But change can be slow and complex considering the geography of Europe – the borders of jurisdiction , country specific regulations and legal frameworks present unique challenges of where to define the Edge and interoperability . Enterprises may want to keep the data local on-site . Thus , solutions are needed that provide specific features . The deployment of 5G networks depends closely upon access to radio spectrum , the basis of wireless technologies . As the rate of connected devices and their use increases , spectrum resources must be harmonised across Europe to allow for interoperability of infrastructure across borders .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office ?
Being in an early stage startup means you have to be flexible and available pretty much round the clock in order to address customers across the globe . It is important to find and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the company and enable them so that we can scale without overwhelming the same persons all the time . This allows for some scheduled periods during which you can take some time to unwind .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
I might have entered the startup world sooner . Being in a large company teaches you how to build structure and how to be successful , but the organisational barriers of large companies can throttle innovation . If you have more
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months ?
My role is changing as the focus and priorities of the company change . I spend more of my time in customer-facing tasks these days while working closely to meet their needs .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain C-level position in your industry ?
The only constant in this industry is change . It is essential to always be informed of what is happening and how change can impact your company ( either positively or negatively ) and learn to manage the opportunities and risks accordingly . p
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