Exploiting the Edge: Research reveals $17 billion in market opportunity for service providers
Only 6% of enterprise decision-makers would turn to service providers for their Edge implementations.
Organisations are looking at Edge as a pathway to reducing data management costs by up to 20%.
New research from WWT, conducted with Analysys Mason, shows that telecoms service providers are struggling to gain mindshare among enterprises for Edge deployments. Despite their acumen in connectivity, just 6% of enterprise decision-makers would turn to service providers for their Edge implementations.
The report, ‘The Edge Disconnect’, identifies the scale of the Edge opportunity for service providers. It brings into sharp relief the disconnect telecoms service providers must overcome if they are to change enterprise perceptions and realise that opportunity.
The findings in the report are clear: enterprises want Edge. Our research surveyed six industries across four countries to better understand enterprise decision makers’ attitudes, needs and challenges as they relate to Edge. Based on their strategies, we calculated that there is more than $17 billion in market opportunity for service providers acting as Edge implementation partners over the next three years.
This research determined that 59% of that $17 billion sits at the level of user-facing application and service platforms. By value, the role of the ‘Edge application enabler’ far outstrips the more connectivity-centric roles service providers can play in deploying Edge. Offering services closer to the end-user presents by far the most lucrative opportunity.
The report identifies 30 use cases that will deliver the greatest revenue potential across six industries. But the key drivers are consistent, no matter the sector: the ability to process and deliver business-critical data in a way which protects its integrity and produces new cost efficiencies is what makes Edge truly compelling. Indeed, organisations are looking at Edge as a pathway to reducing data management costs by up to 20%.
Today, just 6% of enterprise decision-makers would turn to service providers for their Edge implementations. But service providers’ deep understanding of connectivity still confers an advantage. By filling gaps in their vertical expertise, they can become one-stop-shops for the connectivity, infrastructure and applications that will make enterprise Edge deployments truly transformative.
Daniel Valle, Chief Technologist – Service Providers EMEA at WWT said: “Edge Computing is transforming the way enterprises manage data. As 5G becomes a reality, Edge will provide the backbone for game-changing applications across data-intensive areas such as sensor-based activity recognition, AI, smart mobility, robotics and real-time digital experiences.
“Service providers’ deep understanding of connectivity confers an advantage. By filling gaps in their vertical expertise, they can become one-stop-shops for the connectivity, infrastructure and applications that will make enterprise Edge deployments truly transformative.
“Service providers should look to grasp the edge opportunity, and make sure businesses are ready to become a go-to Edge implementation partner.”
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the Tech industry. Keep an eye on our Press Releases section to stay informed and updated with our daily articles.