In a keynote delivered by Gordon Thomson, EMEA SP VP, Cisco, during the 18th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, Cisco’s thought leader, who specializes in network technology, focused on the transformative power of AI and data-driven solutions in reshaping telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
Thomson opened with a personal anecdote, illustrating the inconsistency of connectivity in his home near Glasgow, Scotland. For him, this revelation highlighted the pressing need for “robust, scalable, and intelligent network solutions globally,” especially in regions like the UAE, where significant infrastructure investments are underway.
Thomson’s keynote emphasized the telecommunication industry’s ongoing evolution, where traditional business models are succumbing to new approaches and prioritizing sustainability, security, and AI-driven efficiency. Thomson underlined the necessity of converging infrastructure—integrating IP and optical systems, and uniting fixed and mobile services—to simplify networks and enhance service delivery. This shift aims to “move services closer to users and the network edge,” ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity.
Central to Cisco’s strategy is leveraging AI to optimize underlying network infrastructure and overlay services, creating seamless service-level agreements (SLAs). This approach promises to elevate the consumer experience while offering service providers a means to enhance revenue through guaranteed performance. The integration of AI enables dynamic traffic prioritization akin to a fully navigable version of Google Maps, where paths are optimized end-to-end, from user devices to cloud services.
Thomson also spotlighted Cisco’s investments in observability technologies, such as ThousandEyes and AppDynamics, which provide real-time insights across network layers. By ingesting and analyzing data from diverse sources, Cisco empowers service providers to gain unparalleled visibility, optimize performance, and monetize their networks effectively. Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk was hailed a game-changer due to the result of both entities’ combined efforts in consolidating disparate data into a unified platform for actionable intelligence.
A compelling example of Cisco’s capabilities was observed at the 2024 eSports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, where Cisco’s network solutions facilitated the seamless operation of online games. The event relied on distributed infrastructure and real-time observability to ensure a flawless user experience for thousands of participants. This case illustrated the potential of advanced networking to support high-stake, high-demand applications in real-world scenarios.
In principle, telcos can leverage autonomous networks to introduce new and improved services that boost revenue, optimize network performance for cost efficiency, and enhance customer experiences, ultimately reducing churn and increasing loyalty.
Thomson concluded by reaffirming Cisco’s commitment to innovation, emphasizing automation, sustainability, and data-driven insights as the cornerstones of future networks.
