AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Nov 5, 2013) - Mobile virtualization is a hot topic in the wireless industry today. However, there is considerable lack of knowledge as to what constitutes mobile virtualization and how and when it will be implemented by mobile operators. It is easy to talk about "virtualizing the network," but the actual implementation can become very complex very quickly. One type of virtualization, Mobile EPC virtualization, extends into the EPC -- the evolved packet core that is unique to LTE networks.
Mobile EPC virtualization requires that the EPC functions and processes be recreated using off-the-shelf hardware and then deployed in a data center. A virtualized EPC could be used to provide additional core capacity to a legacy EPC for a mobile operator or could be used by a third party to provide services to a specific group of customers.
"Mobile EPC virtualization provides significant cost savings through reduced CapEx and OpEx, since the EPC can be deployed on off-the-shelf commercial hardware at a commercial data center," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry. "In addition to these savings benefits, the solution also provides easier scaling to meet capacity needs, the ability to target specific services to certain market segments, and flexibility in how the virtualized EPC is deployed for different business needs."
iGR's new market research report, Global Mobile LTE EPC Virtualization Forecast, 2013-2017: Impacts and Benefits, discusses the potential impact of mobile EPC virtualization, the potential benefits both in terms of CapEx and OpEx to operators deploying LTE, and the global implications. The report forecasts the potential CapEx and OpEx savings at the global level and for each of the following six regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Japan.
The following key questions are addressed in the new research study:
- What is mobile EPC virtualization?
- What types of mobile EPC virtualization exist and how do they differ?
- What are the current standards efforts and industry groups associated with mobile EPC virtualization?
- What is the relationship between virtualization of the EPC, SDN and NFV?
- How is a virtualized EPC implemented?
- What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks associated with mobile EPC virtualization?
- What new business models are enabled by mobile EPC virtualization?
- How much are the mobile operators expected to spend globally on LTE EPCs in terms of CapEx and OpEx?
- What are the potential savings associated with mobile LTE EPC virtualization for the world's mobile operators (by region) in terms of CapEx and OpEx?
- What is the potential impact of mobile EPC virtualization on the mobile infrastructure OEMs such as Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Cisco, Nokia Solutions & Networks, Samsung, ZTE and Huawei?
- What are the opportunities for new virtualized EPC vendors such as Connectem?
The information in this report will be valuable for:
- Mobile network operators and MVNOs
- Mobile infrastructure OEMs
- Mobile EPC vendors and OEMs
- Virtualization software and solution vendors
- Financial analysts and investors.
The new report can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website at www.iGR-inc.com. Alternatively, contact Iain Gillott at (512) 263-5682 or at Iain@iGR-inc.com for additional details.
About iGR
iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now entering its thirteenth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.
iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell architectures; DAS; LTE; WiMAX; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.
A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.
Contact Information:
Contact iGR
Iain Gillott
(512) 263-5682