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Network operators need to revamp their data center resources to make a serious run at delivering cloud computing and XaaS to corporate customers, but finding the right technology partner for that makeover will be a big challenge, according to the latest report from Light Reading Insider, a paid research service of TechWeb's Light Reading.

Cloud Computing & Telco Data Centers: Coping With XaaS examines the extent to which the leading data infrastructure vendors have the hardware, software, skills, and knowledge to support network operator cloud computing initiatives. It maps the end-user services that different cloud computing models can support, highlights where demand for those services is coming from, and provides real-world examples of how providers are using optimized data center infrastructure as a foundation for cloud service provision. The report also looks at what's next in cloud computing technology innovation and competition, and profiles the five leading data center infrastructure vendors looking to support network operators' cloud computing ambitions.

"Given the complexities involved in building and optimizing cloud architectures, few suppliers can claim to provide every piece of the puzzle, and all rely on partnerships with other vendors to a greater or lesser degree," says Martin Courtney, research analyst with Light Reading Insider and author of the report. "But that has not stopped industry heavyweights from placing considerable marketing muscle into convincing interested parties that they can design, implement, and manage data center infrastructure to support cloud computing initiatives on their customers' behalf."

Along with finding the right enabling technologies, network operators need to find trusted partners to provide strategy and consulting services to make the transition to XaaS provider, Courtney says. "In addition to physical infrastructure resources around hardware and software, network operators need expert advice on where cloud computing fits within the wider spheres of IT and telecommunications, the type of services that are in demand, and how they can migrate to cloud computing architecture with minimum disruption to existing operations," he notes.

Key findings of Cloud Computing & Telco Data Centers: Coping With XaaS include the following:

• Network operators looking to harness the cloud should look to optimize and re-architect data center infrastructure, processes, and applications.
• Enterprise demand for services and applications delivered via private and hybrid clouds is growing.
• Vendors are making it easier for network operators to develop new cloud applications using PaaS, bundled software stacks, and cloud operating systems.
• Competition for enterprise cloud customers is about to get fierce, as the barriers to market entry diminish.
• Increased interest and activity in the cloud space will prompt greater urgency around standardization and compliance efforts

Cloud Computing & Telco Data Centers: Coping With XaaS is available as part of an annual single-user subscription (12 monthly issues) to Light Reading Insider, priced at $1,595. Individual reports are available for $900 (single-user license).

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