NGNaaS: NGNs as cloud computing services

Next Generation Networks are the future mobile telecommunication networks, capable of provisioning universal access to services (anytime, anywhere, using any device). Cloud computing is an emerging networking paradigm with several inherent advantages including easy introduction of new services, efficient resource use, scalability, and pay-per-use. Cloud computing is ubiquitous in the Internet domain, but its use in the telecommunications context is still in its infancy. Offering next generation networks as cloud computing services will facilitate their deployment and enable deployment and management cost sharing. We envision that many network operators and service providers will soon support this sharing idea, as demonstrated by a number of ongoing agreements and investigation initiatives (e.g. between Rogers and Videotron in Canada, and between Etisalat and DU in the UAE). However, many issues need to be solved before this vision becomes a reality. This position paper presents our vision for offering next generation networks as cloud services, sketches an early business model, identifies the research issues, and presents a roadmap.