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Communication Services in

Cloud Computing Environment

J.M.Suri, DDG(I), TEC

B.K.Nath, Dir(I), TEC

Telecommunication Engineering Centre

Khurshid Lal Bhawan

Janpath, New Delhi -1

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Contents

Page No.

1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Cloud Computing Service Models 3

3.0 Communication as a Service (CaaS) Model 5

4.0 Some typical Offerings in CaaS model from

Service Providers on the Cloud

5

5.0 Advantages in a CaaS Implementation 6

6.0 Critical technological requirements for a cloud

ready storage Infrastructure

8

7.0 Accessing the cloud in an era of 3G mobile

communications

12

8.0 Growing use of smartphones to access the

Internet on mobiles – potential candidates for the

cloud

13

9.0 Why telecommunication operators should

become cloud providers?

13

10.0 Typical Service offerings on a cloud by

Telecommunication Operators

15

11.0 Examples of Cloud Based Services 17

12.0 Moving Beyond Flat rate pricing models in a

Cloud

17

13.0 Conclusion 18

14.0 References 18

Communication Services

1.0 Introduction

Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on

shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications,

and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal manag

cloud provider interaction. Cloud computing technologies can be implemented in a wide variety

of architectures, under different service and deployment models. It can coexist with other

technologies and software design approaches. It can hav

networks of public and private organizations. Its adoption is growing as more and more

organizations are trying to optimize their IT infrastructure costs.

environments have become a reali

The most common services

Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and

developments have introduced more services

MaaS (Monitoring as a Service), which are catering to some specific needs only. These cloud

service models are briefly explained below.

(Cloud computing layers embedded in the "as a Service" components

2.0 Cloud Computing Service Models

(i) Software-as-a-Service

deployment whereby one or more applications and the computational resources to

run them are provided for use on demand as a turnkey service.

Communication Services in Cloud Computing

Environment

Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a


and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal manag



technologies and software design approaches. It can have far-reaching effects on the systems and


organizations are trying to optimize their IT infrastructure costs. Therefore, cloud computing

environments have become a reality today.

The most common services initially available through the cloud are SaaS (Software as a

Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). However, recent

developments have introduced more services like, CaaS (Communication as a Service) and


explained below.

Cloud computing layers embedded in the "as a Service" components

Computing Service Models

Service - Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a model of software


run them are provided for use on demand as a turnkey service. Its main purpose is to

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Cloud Computing

demand network access to a


and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or



reaching effects on the systems and


Therefore, cloud computing

SaaS (Software as a

(Infrastructure as a Service). However, recent

(Communication as a Service) and


Cloud computing layers embedded in the "as a Service" components)

Service (SaaS) is a model of software


Its main purpose is to

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reduce the total cost of hardware and software development, maintenance, and

operations. Security provisions are carried out mainly by the cloud provider. The

cloud subscriber does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure or

individual applications, except for preference selections and limited administrative

application settings.

(ii) Platform-as-a-Service - Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a model of software

deployment whereby the computing platform is provided as an on-demand service

upon which applications can be developed and deployed. Its main purpose is to

reduce the cost and complexity of buying, housing, and managing the underlying

hardware and software components of the platform, including any needed program

and database development tools. The development environment is typically special

purpose, determined by the cloud provider and tailored to the design and

architecture of its platform. The cloud subscriber has control over applications and

application environment settings of the platform. Security provisions are split

between the cloud provider and the cloud subscriber.

(iii) Infrastructure-as-a-Service. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is a model of

software deployment whereby the basic computing infrastructure of servers,

software, and network equipment is provided as an on-demand service upon which a

platform to develop and execute applications can be established. Its main

purpose is to avoid purchasing, housing, and managing the basic hardware and

software infrastructure components, and instead obtain those resources as virtualized

objects controllable via a service interface. The cloud subscriber generally has broad

freedom to choose the operating system and development environment to be hosted.

Security provisions beyond the basic infrastructure are carried out mainly by the

cloud subscriber.

(iv) Communication-as-a-Service (CaaS) - CaaS is an outsourced enterprise

communications solution. Providers of this type of cloud-based solution (known as

CaaS vendors) are responsible for the management of hardware and software

required for delivering some of the telecommunication services like Voice over IP

(VoIP) services, Instant Messaging (IM), and video conferencing capabilities to their

customers. This model has its evolution within the Telecommunication Industry

offering guaranteed QoS (Quality of Service) with well defined SLAs (Service Level

Agreements).

(v) Monitoring-as-a-Service (MaaS) - Monitoring-as-a-Service (MaaS) is the

outsourced provisioning of security, primarily on business platforms that leverage the

Internet to conduct business. It involves protecting an enterprise or government client

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from cyber threats. Many industry regulations require organizations to monitor their

security environment, server logs, and other information assets to ensure the integrity

of these systems. However, conducting effective security monitoring can be a

daunting task because it requires advanced technology, skilled security experts, and

scalable processes - none of which come cheap. MaaS security monitoring services

offer real-time, 24/7 monitoring and nearly immediate incident response across a

security infrastructure by helping to protect critical information assets of their

customers.

3.0 Communication as a Service (CaaS) Model The majority of today’s cloud computing infrastructure consists of time-tested and

highly reliable services built on servers with varying levels of virtualized technologies,

which are delivered via large data centers operating under strict service-level agreements

that require 99.99% or better uptime. Commercial offerings have evolved to meet the

quality-of-service requirements of customers and operated through these SLAs.

CaaS service offerings are often bundled with traditional voice (or VoIP) and

data, advanced unified communications functionality such as video calling, web

collaboration, chat, realtime presence and unified messaging, a handset, local and long-

distance voice services, voice mail, advanced calling features (such as caller ID,

threeway and conference calling, etc.) and advanced PBX functionality. A CaaS solution

includes redundant switching, network, POP and circuit diversity, customer premises

equipment redundancy, and WAN fail-over that specifically addresses the needs of their

customers. All VoIP transport components are located in geographically diverse, secure

data centers for high availability and survivability. Network capacity and feature sets can

be changed dynamically, to keep pace with functionality demanded by consumer and

provider-owned resources are not wasted. From the customer’s perspective, there is very

little to virtually no risk of the service becoming obsolete, since the provider’s

responsibility is to perform periodic upgrades or replacements of hardware and software

to keep the platform technologically current. CaaS offers flexibility and scalability which

is very convenient for small and medium-sized businesses because of their tight budgets

and very little management oversight.

4.0 Some typical Offerings in CaaS model from Service Providers

on the Cloud

From the handset found on each employee’s desk to the PC-based software client

on employee laptops, to the VoIP private backbone, and all modes in between, every

component in a CaaS solution is managed 24/7 by the CaaS vendor.

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4.1 Hosted and Managed Solutions

Over the past decade, with enhanced technology, networking, and software, the

remote management of infrastructure services has become a reality. CaaS delivers

a complete communications solution that is entirely managed by a single vendor.

Along with features such as VoIP and unified communications, the integration of

core PBX features with advanced functionality is managed by one vendor, who is

responsible for all of the integration and delivery of services to users.

4.2 Fully Integrated, Enterprise-Class Unified Communications

With CaaS, the vendor provides voice and data access and manages LAN/ WAN,

security, routers, email, voice mail, and data storage. By managing the

LAN/WAN, the vendor can guarantee consistent quality of service from a user’s

desktop across the network and back. Advanced unified communications features

that are most often a part of a standard CaaS deployment include:

(i) Chat

(ii) Multimedia conferencing

(iii) Microsoft Outlook integration

(iv) Real-time presence

(v) “Soft” phones (software-based telephones)

(vi) Video calling

(vii) Unified messaging and

(viii) Mobility

4.3 Telepresence

Telepresence has vastly simplified the way virtual collaboration takes

place, currently offering the most realistic meeting experience and an alternative

to traveling for face-to-face meetings with customers, suppliers, and staff as well

as other essential partners. Most important, it yields significant reductions in

travel costs, improved business productivity, and elimination of travel-induced

stress. Consolidation and centralization of communications infrastructure and

resources into IP-based unified communications and management systems can

result in drastic reductions in PBX lease costs, maintenance costs, and

management costs.

5.0 Advantages in a CaaS Implementation 5.1 No Capital Expenses Needed

When business outsource their unified communications needs to a CaaS service

provider, the provider supplies a complete solution that fits the company’s exact

needs. Customers pay a fee (usually billed monthly) for what they use. Customers

are not required to purchase equipment, so there is no capital outlay. Bundled in

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these types of services are ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs, which are

incurred by the service provider.

5.2 Accelerated Decision Making

CaaS implementation allows a company’s workers, partners, vendors, and

customers to communicate and collaborate more effectively. Better

communication allows organizations to adapt quickly to market changes and to

build competitive advantage. CaaS can also accelerate decision making within an

organization. Innovative unified communications capabilities (such as presence,

instant messaging, and rich media services) help ensure that information quickly

reaches whoever needs it.

5.3 Flexible Capacity and Feature Set

When customers outsource communications services to a CaaS provider, they pay

for the features they need and when they need them. The service provider can

distribute the cost across a large customer base. This makes the use of shared

feature functionality more economical for customers to implement. Economies of

scale allow service providers enough flexibility that they are not tied to a single

vendor investment. They are able to leverage best-of-breed providers such as

Avaya, Cisco, Juniper, Microsoft, Nortel etc. more economically than any

independent enterprise.

5.4 No Risk of Obsolescence

Rapid technology advances, predicted long ago and known as Moore’s law, have

brought about product obsolescence in increasingly shorter periods of time. With

the constant introduction of newer models for all sorts of technology (PCs, cell

phones, video software and hardware, etc.), products now face much shorter life

cycles, sometimes as short as a single year. CaaS vendors must absorb this burden

for the user by continuously upgrading the equipment in their offerings to meet

changing demands in the marketplace.

5.5 No Facilities and Engineering Costs Incurred

CaaS providers host all of the equipment needed to provide their services to their

customers, virtually eliminating the need for customers to maintain data center

space and facilities. Customers receive the benefit of multiple carrier-grade data

centers with full redundancy—and it’s all included in the monthly payment.

5.6 Guaranteed Business Continuity

Distributing risk by using geographically dispersed data centers has become the

norm today. It mitigates risk and allows companies in a location hit by a

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catastrophic event to recover as soon as possible. With a CaaS solution, multiple

levels of redundancy are built into the system, with no single point of failure.

6.0 Critical technological requirements for a cloud ready storage

Infrastructure

6.1 Load Balancing

With the explosive growth of the Internet the traffic on the Internet is

increasing dramatically, which has been growing at over 100% annually. The

workload on servers is increasing rapidly, so servers may easily be overloaded,

especially servers for a popular web site. There are two basic solutions to the

problem of overloaded servers, One is a single-server solution, i.e., upgrade the

server to a higher performance server. However, the new server may also soon be

overloaded, requiring another upgrade. Further, the upgrading process is complex

and the cost is high. The second solution is a multiple-server solution, i.e., build a

scalable network service system on a cluster of servers. When load increases, one

can simply add one or more new servers to the cluster. Therefore, it is more

scalable and more cost-effective to build a server cluster system for network

services.

With multiple servers, a load balancer a required so that it can distribute

connections among multiple servers, proportionally cutting the work each one has

to do. Load balancing can help with almost any kind of service, including HTTP,

DNS, FTP, POP/IMAP, and SMTP. Load balancing also increases reliability

through redundancy. The balancing service is usually provided by a dedicated

program or hardware device (such as a multilayer switch). Cloud-based server

farms can achieve high scalability and availability using server load balancing.

6.1.1 Load balancing solutions can be divided into two types –

(i) Software-based load balancers – Software-based load balancers

run on standard operating systems and standard hardware

components such as desktop PCs.

(ii) Hardware-based load balancers - Hardware-based load balancers

are specialized boxes that include Application Specific Integrated

Circuits (ASICs) customized for a specific use. ASICs enable high-

speed forwarding of network traffic and are often used for

transport-level load balancing, because hardware-based load

balancers are much faster than software solutions.

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6.1.2 Examples of Load Balancers

(i) Linux Virtual Server Load Balancer - The Linux Virtual Server

is an opensource advanced load balancing solution that can be used

to build highly scalable and highly available network services such

as HTTP, POP3, SMTP, FTP, media and caching, and Voice over

Internet Protocol (VoIP). There are a few open source load

balancing applications available today, but the Linux Virtual

Server (LVS) continues to be one of the most popular. LVS is a

simple, powerful product used for load balancing and fail-over.

The physical servers and the load balancers may be interconnected

by either a local area network (LAN) or by a geographically

dispersed wide-area network (WAN). The load balancer itself is

the primary entry point of server cluster systems. It can run

Internet Protocol Virtual Server (IPVS), which implements

transport-layer load balancing inside the Linux kernel also known

as Layer-4 switching.

(ii) DNS-Based Load Balancing Clusters - DNS load balancing is

probably the simplest method for building a network service

cluster. The Domain Name System is a hierarchical naming system

for computers, services, or any resource used on the Internet. DNS

translates Internet domain names (which are meaningful to

humans) into the binary identifiers associated with networking

equipment in order to locate and address Internet devices globally.

This process is known as name resolution and is used to distribute

requests to different IP addresses of cluster servers.

(iii) Dispatcher-Based Load Balancing Clusters - A dispatcher

performs intelligent load balancing by using server availability,

capability, workload, and other user-defined criteria to determine

where to send a TCP/IP request. The dispatcher component of a

load balancer can distribute HTTP requests among nodes in a

cluster. The dispatcher distributes the load among servers in a

cluster so the services of nodes appear as a virtual service on a

single IP address; end users interact as if it were a single server,

without knowing anything about the back-end infrastructure.

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(iv) The Direct Routing Request Dispatching Technique - This

request dispatching approach is similar to the one implemented in

IBM’s NetDispatcher. The virtual IP address is shared by real

servers and the load balancer. The load balancer has an interface

configured with the virtual IP address too, which is used to accept

request packets, and it directly routes the packets to the chosen

servers. All the real servers have their non-arp (address resolution

protocol) alias interface configured with the virtual IP address or

redirect packets destined for the virtual IP address to a local socket,

so that real servers can process the packets locally.

6.2 Virtualization Applications/Appliances - Application virtualization describes

software technologies that improve portability, manageability, and compatibility

of applications by encapsulating them from the underlying operating system on

which they are executed. A virtualized application is redirected at runtime to

interface with the virtual operating system and all related resources that are

managed by it rather than an actual, physical implementation of that operating

system. Full application virtualization requires a virtualization layer. The

virtualization layer must be installed on a machine to intercept file and registry

operations performed by a virtualized application, where it can transparently

redirect those operations to a virtualized destination. The application that

performs file operations never knows that it is not directly accessing a physical

resource. Using this approach, applications can be made portable by redirecting

their I/O tasks to a single physical file, and traditionally incompatible applications

can be executed side by side.

(How a Virtual Machine Works)

6.2.1 Examples of Virtualization solutions / applications

(i) VMware - The VMware virtualization platform is built to

virtualize hardware resources found on an x86-based computer

(e.g., the CPU, RAM, hard disk, and network controller) to create a

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fully functional virtual machine that can run its own operating

system and applications just like a standard computer. Each virtual

machine is completely encapsulated in order to eliminate any

potential conflicts. VMware virtualization works by inserting a

thin layer of software directly on the computer hardware or on a

host operating system. This layer is actually a monitor called a

Hypervisor, and its task is to allocate hardware resources

dynamically and transparently. Multiple operating systems can run

concurrently on a single computer andshare that computer’s

hardware. A virtual machine is completely compatible with all

standard x86 operating systems, applications, and device drivers. It

is possible to run several operating systems and applications

simultaneously on a single computer, and each operating system

has access to the physical resources it needs on demand.

(ii) Xen - Xen is a unique open source technology. Xen was originally

developed by the Systems Research Group at the University of

Cambridge Computer Laboratory as part of the XenoServers

project. Xen plays a key part by allowing one to efficiently

partition a single machine to enable multiple independent clients to

run their operating systems and applications in an environment.

This environment provides protection, resource isolation, and

accounting. Using Xen server virtualization, the Xen Hypervisor is

installed directly on the host hardware and exists as a thin layer

between the hardware and the operating system. This abstraction

layer allows the host device to run one or more virtual servers. It

isolates hardware from the operating system and its applications.

Xen is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL2)

and is available at no charge in both source and object format.

According to the official web site, “Xen is, and always will be,

open sourced, uniting the industry and the Xen ecosystem to speed

the adoption of virtualization in the enterprise.” The Xen

Hypervisor supports a wide range of guest operating systems

including Windows, Linux, Solaris, and various versions of the

BSD operating systems. Virtual device monitors (which are also

known as hypervisors) are often used on mainframes and large

servers seen in data center architectures. Increasingly, they are

being used by Internet service providers (ISPs) to provide virtual

dedicated servers to their customers.

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7.0 Accessing the cloud in an era of 3G mobile communications Ever since 3G services have been launched by the major operators, the simple voice and

information service can no longer meet the growing requirements of users. The number

of wireless users on 3G services continues to rise daily. The 3G data services have

become the focus of competition among operators. Many operators have introduced

some specialized services. And with the growth of 3G clients and the expansion and

improvement of 3G networks, operators have to provide more diversified 3G services to

survive in the fierce market competition. Cloud can be used as a platform to provide such

value added services.

In this 3G era, mobile TV, mobile securities and data backup will all become critical

businesses. Huge amounts of videos, images, and documents are to be stored in data

centers so that users can download and view them at any time, and they can promote

interaction. Cloud computing can effectively support this kind of business requirements,

and get maximal storage with limited resources. Besides, it can also search and provide

the resources that are needed to users promptly to meet their needs.

The number of commercial UMTS/HSPA networks has risen to 258 in more than 100

countries. It is sure that HSPA and HSPA+ will compete with all prevailing mobile

wireless technologies available today. If the cloud is becoming increasingly pervasive

and mobile browsers are getting better every day, we should ask what more should be

done on the mobile device beyond a browser so that it can access the cloud.

(i) Can browser widgets provide enough functionality that devices don’t need

applications?

(ii) What if customized widgets can get the user everything he needs on the mobile

device to access the cloud?

The potential impact on enterprise mobility is huge. While organizations are deploying

more and more Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, there is no reason mobile

workers can’t access those applications from their mobile devices, assuming they have

enough bandwidth (i.e., 3G- or 4G-capable devices). All that is really required beyond

such bandwidth is a browser that can actually handle all of the various SaaS- associated

web standards. In coming times, device manufacturers will partner with multiple SaaS

vendors to provide enterprises complete cloud-based computing solutions that work

anywhere.

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8.0 Growing use of smartphones to access the Internet on mobiles –

potential candidates for the cloud The definition of a smartphone is not standardized. For most users, the consensus

is that a smartphone is a mobile device that offers advanced capabilities beyond those

offered by a typical mobile phone. Modern versions come with PC-like functionality.

Many of the newer models have customized operating systems and associated software

that provides a standardized interface. Nearly all smartphones have advanced features

such as email, Internet access, instant messaging, etc. Smartphones are much more than

just another cell phone. They provide instant access to the web. Most smartphones allow

you to sync data with your desktop computer. You can store and work on documents

from your smartphone, and you can receive and reply to emails as they arrive in your

inbox using realtime push email. Smartphone applications may be developed by the

manufacturer of the device or by any other third-party provider or developer capable of

accessing the open source operating system. Other functionalities might include an

additional interface such as a miniature QWERTY keyboard on the touch screen, built-in

video and camera features, contact management, built-in navigation software, office

document processing capability, and software for playing music and viewing video clips.

Such smartphone capabilities transform the common cell phone into a mobile multimedia

platform for your entertainment. They can store and display pictures, videos of friends

and family, or even play live broadcasts of sports or movies. Therefore, smartphones are

excellent candidates for the cloud and considering their numbers on this planet they will

have the largest presence on the cloud.

9.0 Why telecommunication operators should become cloud

providers? Telecommunication operators have lots of reasons for becoming cloud operators. The

reasons are

(i) They own the network

(ii) They own the subscriber (mobiles, fixed lines, enterprise customers,

Internet subscribers etc.)

(iii) They are used to delivering on five-nines, networks are carrier grade

quality

(iv) They can provide end to end QoS to the customer

(v) They have Data Centers which have excess capacity

(vi) Always on the lookout to reduce operation expenditure

(vii) Provide turnkey apps and services ready for consumption by SMBs and

enterprises

(viii) Single unified billing and service experience to the customer

The way telecommunication industry is evolving, the operators hav

newer ways to maximize their revenue streams.

to restructure their businesses to adapt to the new realities of the marketplace. T

businesses of leading service providers

and they may have to face

support unified monitoring

business consolidation of the

necessary resources in time to

market requirements to help

bandwidth makes it easier and quicker to surf Internet

become a critical application of 3G technologies.

among different equipments, software

resources in the cloud through

Single unified billing and service experience to the customer

The way telecommunication industry is evolving, the operators have to keep on finding

newer ways to maximize their revenue streams. Telecommunication operators will have

to restructure their businesses to adapt to the new realities of the marketplace. T

businesses of leading service providers will all cover fixed network and mobile service,

and they may have to face fierce competition in 3G market. Cloud computing can

fied monitoring and dynamic deployment of resources. So, during the

business consolidation of the operators, the cloud computing platform can de

necessary resources in time to support business development, and respond quickly to

market requirements to help operators to gain larger market share. The 3G

bandwidth makes it easier and quicker to surf Internet through mobile phones and

become a critical application of 3G technologies. Cloud computing makes it compatible

g different equipments, software and networks, so that the customers can access the

resources in the cloud through any kinds of clients.

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Single unified billing and service experience to the customer

e to keep on finding

Telecommunication operators will have

to restructure their businesses to adapt to the new realities of the marketplace. The

rk and mobile service,

erce competition in 3G market. Cloud computing can

and dynamic deployment of resources. So, during the

operators, the cloud computing platform can deploy

support business development, and respond quickly to

The 3G-enabled high

through mobile phones and it has

Cloud computing makes it compatible

and networks, so that the customers can access the

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10.0 Typical Service offerings on a cloud by Telecommunication

Operators The majority of operators have some form of cloud service currently deployed.

These include variants of managed service offerings that will eventually evolve into

cloud offerings. Operators with an established base of managed services are using them

as a base to “back into” cloud service offerings. Delivering communication-based

services over the cloud is seen as a natural. Some typical service offering possible or

being already offered include -

Sr.No./Type

of service

Proposed

Service

Brief Description of the Service Value Addition to

Customers / SMB

IaaS

1. Virtual Compute Offering virtual machines (Linux,

windows etc.) to customers

No capex

involvement for

hardware and

software

2. Dedicated

Compute

Delivering physical server delivered

as a service

Deliver physical

server as a service

also along with

virtual server

3. Virtual Desktop as

a service

Deliver virtual desktop on demand

to customers

To provide the

complete IT solution

to the customer

4. Storage as a

service

Offering storage on the network as a

service

On-site data storage

not required

PaaS

5. Exchange mail Offering mail over

SMTP/POP3/IMAP

Low cost alternative

to messaging suite

6. Office

communicator

Instant messaging for employees of

an organization

Low cost alternative

to messaging suite

7. Sharepoint Sharepoint as a service Low cost alternative

to messaging suite

8. Database as a

service

Offer dedicated database as a

service

Managed database

as a service

9. Web server as a

service

Offering webserver as a service Managed webserver

as a service

10. Tally Accounting Proven value in

Indian market

11. Antivirus/security Antivirus and security for

corporate/SMB notebooks, PCs etc.

Faster

implementation

12. Sales force

automation

Sales force hosted model on the

cloud

Faster

implementation

13. ERP/CRM Garment, retail and healthcare Faster and easy to

CaaS

14. Self –service IVR

15. PC/Laptop

managed services

16. Video surveillance

17. Video and audio

conferencing

18. PC backup

services

19. Device

management

implement

service IVR Offering hosted IVR facilities to

perform auto attendant/voice mail

features/customer care

Upgradation of

existing EPABX

without capex

managed services

Provide PCs/Laptops to SMBs as a

managed service, including

deployment of CAE, antivirus etc.

Management and

maintenance of

infrastructure as a

part of the

Video surveillance security Remote surveillance

of the business and

office premises

Video and audio Provide audio and video

conferencing facility to their

customers

Book audio / video

conference bridges

PC backup Protect content on PCs Storage solution

Manage devices for mid to large

customers

mFormation

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implement

Upgradation of

existing EPABX

without capex

Management and

maintenance of

infrastructure as a

part of the service

Remote surveillance

of the business and

office premises

Book audio / video

conference bridges

Storage solution

mFormation

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11.0 Examples of Cloud Based Services 1.0 Hosting and Data centre Domains

Web Hosting

Website Creator

Insta Compute

i-ID Advantage

2.0 Collaboration Business mail

Premium Mail

Insta Office

Web 2.0 SMS

Sales Watch

3.0 Security and Storage PC Security

Mobile Security

Server Security

Online Backup

e-checkpost

4.0 Communications VoIP

Insta CC

5.0 Business Applications CRM

Recruit

Invoice

MSales

MyEOffice

Live Documents

Draw Easy

Collabrix

12.0 Moving Beyond Flat rate pricing models in a Cloud These types of offerings also come with sophisticated pricing models based on various

types of resources monitoring. This demands robust BSS platforms and all the possible

combinations of charging scenarios based on types, usage, rates, times etc. have to be

supported. E.g. –

(i) Usage based consumption (duration, events etc.)

(ii) Charge back

(iii) SLA violation calculations

(iv) Storage (GB-Month, million I/O requests, etc.)

(v) Bandwidth (public Internet, inbound/outbound, same cloud, regional cloud)

(vi) Computing (CPU Hours, RAM Hours, Service Units, etc.)

(vii) Configurable server instance types

(viii) Billing-on-Behalf-of (BoBo) scenarios

(ix) Allocate Service Level Agreement (SLA)

(x) penalties across the value chain based on fault

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13.0 Conclusion The market is changing and the Telecommunication operators are also adapting to these changes.

The cloud computing environment provides an ideal platform to provide the host of new services

demanded by customers. All the large operators have massive data centers which are the

backbone to create a cloud and therefore, these operators are well positioned to take advantage of

this technology shift. Internet Data Centers (IDC) have become a strategic initiative for Cloud

service providers to attract users. The demand for cloud based services will be rapidly fuelled by

the public access to the internet through technologies like 3G, 4G, broadband, fibre optic

networks etc. Content will drive these networks and these will reside in data centres mostly

controlled by the telcos. Cloud computing provides an innovative business model for data

centers, and thereby can help telecom operators to promote business innovation and higher

service capabilities against the backdrop of the whole business integration of fixed and mobile

networks. Along with these new services telcos will also have to upgrade their billing systems so

that they can bill their customers end to end for any kind of service. Globally, major telecom

operators are shifting their business model to the cloud and it is time that Indian telecom

operators take this seriously.

14.0 References [i] Borko Furht et. al., Handbook of Cloud Computing, Springer Publications, 2010

[ii] Carrier Cloud Forum, India 2011, Delhi Proceedings, November 15th 2011

[iii] Carrier Cloud Forum, India 2011, Mumbai Proceedings, November 17th 2011

[iv] Richard Chow et.al. Controlling Data in the cloud: outsourcing Computation without

outsourcing control.

[v] Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, Information Security Briefing 01/2010

[vi] J.W.Rittinhouse et. al., CRC Press, 2010, Cloud Computing Implementation, Management

and Security

[vii] Jan Gabrielsson et. al., Ericsson Review.1 2010, Cloud Computing in Telecommunications

[viii] EC Expert Group Report, The Future of Cloud Computing: Opportunities for European cloud

Computing Beyond 2010