IaaS, PaaS & SaaS: Who Manages the Telco Cloud?

The telecommunications industry is undergoing a transformation known as 'cloudification,' driven by the virtualisation of network functions and the adoption of cloud technologies. This shift allows operators to use standardised server hardware for multiple purposes, replacing outdated bespoke hardware with more efficient virtualised functions.

This process relies on three key platforms: IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service). The above infographic summarises how the main responsibilities of these platforms - including data management, virtualisation, and servers – are delegated between operators and the cloud providers themselves.

Operators are typically charged for cloud services through subscription models, either monthly or annually, each with its advantages and disadvantages in terms of flexibility and cost. Optimising expenditure on cloud services involves leveraging both subscription models based on financial capital and cloud requirements, supported by subscription and billing tools that enable efficient management and automation of processes.

For further optimisation, operators must leverage dedicated subscription and billing tools. These tools enable operators to manage their cloud service expenditure, automating processes where possible - in turn, this will improve the efficiency of billing administration and management.

Source: Global Telecommunications Cloud Strategies Market 2024-2028

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