What's Happening?
Whitesky, a Belgian startup, is positioning itself as a competitor to VMware in the telco cloud sector. Founded during the coronavirus pandemic, Whitesky aims to offer an alternative to the US hyperscalers
by enabling telecom companies to pool computing resources via a single cloud infrastructure platform. The startup already counts América Móvil and Africa's MTN as clients and believes it can replace VMware in telecom infrastructure. VMware, now owned by Broadcom, is perceived as expensive and inflexible, leading to a backlash and retreat from some telecom activities. Whitesky's platform, built using open-source technologies like Ubuntu and Kubernetes, allows telcos to host core network functions closer to customers, addressing service difficulties experienced with public cloud hosting.
Why It's Important?
The emergence of Whitesky as a competitor in the telco cloud sector highlights a shift towards more localized and flexible cloud solutions. This development is significant for telecom companies seeking alternatives to US-based hyperscalers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft. Whitesky's approach could lead to increased sovereignty in cloud services, reducing reliance on US companies. The startup's model also offers potential cost savings and operational efficiencies for telecom operators. As governments and companies become more concerned about sovereignty, Whitesky's European origin and open-source foundation may appeal to those seeking to diversify their cloud infrastructure.
What's Next?
Whitesky plans to expand its federation concept, allowing telecom operators to use servers for internal workloads or turn them into public cloud locations. The startup aims to become a 'virtual cloud operator,' enabling others to resell its capacity. Whitesky is working to ensure compatibility with major software vendors, which is crucial for widespread adoption. The company is also focused on fundraising to support its expansion efforts. Strategic partnerships with companies like América Móvil and MTN could enhance Whitesky's ability to create its federation and attract more telecom operators.
Beyond the Headlines
Whitesky's approach to cloud infrastructure could lead to long-term shifts in how telecom companies manage their networks. By promoting open-source solutions and interoperability, Whitesky challenges the traditional siloed approach of hyperscalers. This could foster innovation and collaboration among telecom operators, potentially leading to new business models and services. The startup's focus on sovereignty and localized cloud solutions may also influence regulatory policies and industry standards, particularly in regions like Europe and Africa.
