What's Happening?
Belgian startup Whitesky is positioning itself as a potential alternative to VMware in the telecom cloud infrastructure sector. Founded during the coronavirus pandemic, Whitesky aims to create a federation
where telcos can pool computing resources via a single cloud infrastructure platform. This approach allows telcos to run workloads on shared hardware and sell cloud capacity to third parties, providing an alternative to major US hyperscalers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft. Whitesky's platform, built on open-source technologies such as Ubuntu and Kubernetes, has already been adopted by América Móvil and Africa's MTN. The company is working to ensure compatibility with other cloud infrastructures, including SUSE and IBM-owned Red Hat.
Why It's Important?
Whitesky's initiative is significant as it addresses growing concerns over reliance on US-based cloud services, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and the concept of digital sovereignty. By offering a European alternative, Whitesky could appeal to telcos seeking to diversify their cloud infrastructure and reduce dependency on US hyperscalers. This move could potentially reshape the telecom cloud landscape, providing more flexibility and interoperability for telcos. The federation model also offers a unique approach to resource sharing, which could lead to cost savings and increased efficiency for participating companies.
What's Next?
Whitesky is focused on expanding its platform and attracting more telecom operators to join its federation. The company is actively fundraising to support its growth and is seeking strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. As more telcos explore alternatives to traditional hyperscalers, Whitesky's federation model could gain traction, especially in regions like Africa where legacy systems are less prevalent. The success of this initiative will depend on Whitesky's ability to demonstrate the viability and benefits of its platform to large telecom operators.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of Whitesky's federation model highlights broader trends in the telecom industry, including the shift towards open-source solutions and the emphasis on digital sovereignty. This approach could lead to increased innovation and competition in the cloud infrastructure market, challenging established players and potentially leading to new business models. Additionally, Whitesky's focus on interoperability and resource sharing could influence future regulatory policies regarding cloud services and data management.
