HomeCloud/NFVOn-prem cloud: reconciling cloud benefits with data sovereignty

On-prem cloud: reconciling cloud benefits with data sovereignty

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Partner content: Operators face cyberattacks, more regulation, the rise of AI and network APIs, while legacy infrastructure has reached its limits – the cloud conversation is increasingly urgent

Telecom operators face a new reality: the risks of cyberattacks, increased regulatory pressure, the rapid proliferation of AI, and accelerated network API exposure. Their legacy complex infrastructure has reached its limits. This is why the conversation around cloud adoption has become increasingly urgent.

The inevitable shift to cloud hosting

Embracing this transition unlocks numerous benefits for telcos: it enables true innovation while maintaining the control and security they require. Key drivers of this shift include:

  • Simplicity: Infrastructure-agnostic applications streamline feature implementation and reduce dependencies, allowing operators to adapt quickly to market demands without being bogged down by complex legacy systems.
  • Quality assurance: Teams can test binary artifacts across environments, identifying errors early and focusing on value creation rather than troubleshooting infrastructure issues.
  • Availability: 99.99% uptime is essential for mission-critical operations. Cloud platforms are designed to support a high level of reliability and maintain reliability even during upgrades or failures.
  • Velocity: CloudOps and containerized application delivery accelerate feedback loops and feature development pipelines, boosting customer satisfaction.
  • Scalability: The explosion of data and connected devices demands flexible solutions to store and process increasing amounts of network metadata and respond to evolving resource needs of solutions.

The case for on-prem cloud for telcos

For many telecom operators, the idea of moving to the cloud raises valid concerns about data sovereignty and compliance. According to a recent Barclays survey, 83% of enterprises are planning to migrate workloads back from public cloud environments to private cloud solutions, demonstrating a growing need for greater control and security. On-premise cloud solutions offer a compelling middle ground that combines the benefits of cloud computing with the security and control that telcos need.

  • On-premise cloud solutions allow operators to maintain full control over their data while still taking advantage of cloud-native technologies. This ensures compliance with local regulations and addresses concerns about data privacy. Furthermore, these solutions are flexible and can be deployed on existing container infrastructures, virtual machines, or dedicated hardware—allowing telcos to choose the deployment method that best suits their needs.
  • Security is another area where on-premise cloud excels. With robust features such as end-to-end encryption, advanced access controls, and regular security updates, these solutions can enhance an operator’s overall security posture rather than compromise it.
  • Cost efficiency is also a significant advantage of on-premise cloud solutions. By optimizing resource utilization and adopting a pay-as-you-go model, telecom operators can effectively manage costs while scaling their operations as needed.

Navigating the Transition with Intersec

Transitioning to an on-premise cloud environment doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Telecom operators can take several strategic steps to ensure a smooth migration by partnering with vendors who understand the unique requirements of the telecom industry.

Leveraging 20 years of expertise with mobile network operators and a decade of experience serving governments, Intersec has developed an industry-specific clo ud offerings designed to facilitate seamless and rapid deployment of new versions—a critical factor in advancing telecom geolocation techniques.

  • Intersecrolls out software in container format instantly using Red Hat OpenShift-certified containers. This allows telecom operators to maintain full control over data privacy and sovereignty while benefiting from the advantages of cloud computing, including optimal performance and reliability, enhanced security and compliance, optimized resource utilization, automation, and orchestration.
  • Additionally, the Intersec cloud approach is entirely agnostic to the underlying infrastructure, supporting multiple deployment options—from straightforward container delivery to a fully managed and hosted solution. Customers can host software in their existing cloud environment or rely on Intersec’s hosting services, which include software upgrades, security fixes, scalability planning, audit logs, contingency plans, and more.
  • Importantly, Intersec adopts a phased CloudOps approach to mitigate risks associated with migrating critical systems to the cloud. This strategy relieves IT teams from labor-intensive maintenance tasks, reduces infrastructure investments, and ensures an immediate return on investment through instant product releases and upgrades.

Conclusion

The future of telecommunications lies in embracing cloud technologies. By adopting on-premise cloud solutions, telecom operators can position themselves at the forefront of innovation while maintaining the control and security necessary for their operations. As we move deeper into an era defined by 5G and beyond, those who embrace this transition will be best equipped to meet emerging challenges and seize new opportunities in an increasingly competitive landscape while maintaining full data sovereignty. 

Live  Q&A session invitation

To learn more, join Intersec and Red Hat for an exclusive live session on Wednesday, May 7 at 14:00 CEST on “Cloud Flexibility, Data Sovereignty”, where industry experts will explore the transformative benefits of Red Hat OpenShift containerized deployments for Telecoms and Governments. Click here to register.

Speakers:

  • Mark Longwell, Director of Telco and Edge Alliances at Red Hat
  • Jean-Marc Coïc, CTO at Intersec
  • Sébastien Synold, Project Manager at Intersec

About the author

Sebastien Synold is a Product Manager at Intersec. He has over 25 years of experience in the networking and telecom industries, with specific expertise in traffic intelligence and network-based geolocation. Sebastien currently oversees the Intersec Agora platform, a cloud-native application that collects telecom metadata and delivers exclusive insights for safety, security and commercial use cases.

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