My 2019 Predictions: Hybrid Cloud, Data-Driven IoT, and More
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My 2019 Predictions: Hybrid Cloud, Data-Driven IoT, and More

When I look back on 2018, I see it as the year that communication providers were no longer just talking, but actually doing something about disruptions to their business by digital players. We saw traditional revenue channels become even more saturated, and communications providers looking to be more “digital native” in their speed to market, while also moving into areas like content at full force.

With a brand new year upon us, I see several other areas going full-scale, which means many communications providers are finally starting to believe the hype around them.

Here are some of my 2019 predictions.

The need for hybrid cloud can no longer be ignored

It’s no secret; moving to the hybrid cloud (or an environment with both traditional and cloud-based IT systems) can be a massive undertaking. A recent survey by Analysys Mason found that 91% of respondents believe that operating cloud-native systems alongside traditional ones will become a critical challenge. Companies like Amazon, who previously stuck to more of a pure-cloud attitude to AWS, are even getting serious about effectively taking on the hybrid cloud.

I believe that 2019 will be the year where the hybrid cloud can no longer be ignored, and the majority of communication providers will need to need to figure out what they want to put on the cloud, what they don’t, and how to build a roadmap based on business value, not functionality.

eSIM goes full steam ahead, and into the enterprise

2018 was a pivotal moment for eSIM and consumer adoption. As I previously stated, with Apple entirely on board with eSIM, and communication providers slowly enabling it, it’s only a matter of time before eSIM-only becomes the standard in devices.

In 2019, the enterprise will look more closely at eSIM. For example, eSIM will significantly help enterprises with machine-to-machine technology roll-outs, enabling them to remotely change them quickly and efficiently. As you can imagine, this can make areas like public utility (like water meters) much easier to manage, and also gives communication providers a new revenue opportunity. 

By working closely with device manufacturers, communication providers can guarantee that they are creating a smooth onboarding process, and will have a seat at the table for this soon-to-be explosion.

The analytics opportunity in IoT

According to research from Zebra, 86% of enterprises expect to increase their spending on IoT in 2019 and beyond. As more connected devices are put on the network through IoT solutions in both enterprise and consumer, understanding the information becomes increasingly important.

In 2019, I expect many device manufacturers to try to understand better how they can use this data to create improved business models. For example, I’ve seen a Bluetooth toothbrush that can change its speed depending on if you want whiter teeth, healthier gums, or fresher breath. But why not offer a subscription service of supplies for these given areas as a way to better motivate the brusher?

There is also ample opportunity around areas like fleet telematics and logistics. Hitachi claims that vehicle telematics data could unlock $1.5 trillion in future revenue for automakers, and communication providers can be a key enabler here.

What are your predictions?

While these areas may represent significant trends in 2019, there are plenty more. What are your predictions?

What if everyone became proactive, by thinking before turning the ignition on, or what if we stopped consuming more stuff?  What if these two disciplines alone could help to save our planet? What if we could send the greedy people to Mars? lol Surely all this would go a long way to saving our little blue dot.

Javier Echaniz Lopez

Venta Especialista de ciberseguridad Colaborador en News ClickCiber, programa de ciberseguridad

5y

I think you have forgotten a very important issue and that it will be crucial, the security, specially cibersecurity. The big risk is that the proposals are based on software, this makes the security take an additional value to protect our environment / company and I would say more our customers

Michael Zema

PR & Integrated Marketing Professional | Orchestrating Brand Strategies for Technology Leaders | In-House and Agency PR Experience

5y

I expect the content fight to evolve heavily in 2019.  Right now, many content providers like Netflix and Hulu are specifically looking for shows they can offer exclusively. As evident by the current interest in the "Friends" catalog -- Netflix ultimately paying close to $100 million to retain it for one more year, but AT&T still has the right to add it to their own OTT offering via Time Warner -- we'll move away from the "exclusive" approach, to the "must-have to keep consumers happy" approach.  We'll start to see popular shows living in more locations than ever to ensure consumers have the most desired content all in one place...which means more revenue for content creators, too. A new age of syndication.

Kirsten Barrington-Hughes

I help my clients maintain a competitive edge.

5y

Densification will drive the need for a device assurance practice, which will require network reconciliation and integrity.

Vikas Srivastava

Seasoned Telecom Industry Leader | Global Project Management Expert | Business Development Strategist

5y

Mobile Broadband Subscriptions will start Hitting Numbers of Traditional Broadband Subscribers .      Disruption in Ways Networks are Managed & Optimized coming from the demand due to More 4G Roll outs and New 5G Deployments 

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