In today's fast-paced tech world, cloud computing has become an integral part of the business landscape. Proper management and utilisation of cloud resources have never been so important. This is where cloud management platforms come into the picture to oversee your cloud deployments. So what are cloud management platforms?

Imagine you have multiple cloud platforms like Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and AWS for managing your cloud resources. It would become challenging to handle each platform with its interface and APIs. This is where cloud management platforms come into the picture. Cl

These platforms provide businesses with a unified control centre for managing cloud resources.

These platforms allow businesses to optimize cloud usage, enhance performance, and ensure security and compliance. The question is, how can businesses choose a cloud management platform that meets all their needs? This is where Gartner and its magic quadrant come into play. Garnet Magic quadrant provides businesses with valuable insights on different cloud management platforms so they can make informed decisions.

In this article, we will explore the methodology behind Gartner's Magic Quadrant, the significance it holds in the market, and the crucial role cloud management platforms play in the ever-evolving technology landscape. Additionally, we examine the implications of the newly public Magic Quadrants and their impact on both vendors and buyers in the cloud management platform market. We will also explore Nife Labs and how it can help developers manage scale and deploy applications on the cloud.

Overview of Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Cloud Management Platforms#

Gartner is a research and advisory firm that publishes reports on technology to help businesses make informed decisions. Magic Quadrant is one of the most popular and useful tools by Gartner. Gartner's analysts conduct extensive research on cloud platforms to identify key players. They gather information from vendor briefings, customer feedback, and product demonstrations. Gartner evaluates a platform based on many factors including scalability, ease of use, features, security, performance, market presence, and integration with other services. Gartner also takes into account other important metrics like pricing models, customer satisfaction, and vendor support.

After evaluation, cloud management platform vendors are divided into 4 categories based on their execution and completeness of vision. These categories are leaders, challengers, visionaries, and niche players. Being positioned as a leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant is like receiving an award. It signifies that the vendor has a clear vision and ability to execute it. Magic Quadrant guides businesses in their quest of finding a suitable cloud management platform for their business.

Current Landscape and Market Trends#

The CMP market is growing as more and more organizations are leveraging multiple cloud platforms for the benefit of different services. According to a report by Valuates, the global market of cloud management platforms is expected to reach USD 23,896.08 Million by 2028.

The CMP market is evolving rapidly with the emergence of new technologies and trends that enhance the capabilities and performance of CMPs. The technologies and trends include artificial intelligence(AI), machine learning (ML), Edge Computing, automation, and containerization. All these latest technologies and trends help vendors improve their performance and increase customer satisfaction.

Analysis of the Newly Public Magic Quadrants#

Magic Quadrant publishes more than 100 reports every year on different technologies, evaluating hundreds of vendors. Most of these reports are only available for premium members but some are made public for free. These reports give valuable insights into technology providers in a specific market.

In this section, we will analyze the newly public magic quadrant report on cloud management platforms. We will discuss the changes and updates in the new public report. We will also discuss the implication for businesses and vendors in the market.

Changes and Updates in the Magic Quadrant#

The newly public magic quadrant report on cloud management platforms is the 3rd edition in the series. Several important changes have been made in this new report. These changes reflect changing market needs. One of the important changes in this new report is the change of evaluation criteria for cloud management platforms. Gartner has increased emphasis on multi-cloud support, automation, and governance capabilities. Gartner's revised evaluation criteria reflect the sentiment of the market. Organizations need CMPs that provide consistent management across different platforms and provide automation and governance capabilities to reduce complexity and risk.

Another important change in the report is the inclusion of emerging technologies and trends. Gartner has included important technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies improve the functionality of cloud management platforms by providing features like bug detection, root cause analysis, and analytics.

Key findings and insights from the latest Magic Quadrant#

The newly public Magic Quadrant report on CMPs features 11 vendors. This report gives valuable insight into the market. VMware, IBM, Microsoft, and BMC Software are named Leaders. These vendors have strong vision and execution capabilities. These vendors have multi-cloud integration, automation, and governance capabilities. These vendors have a large market share and high customer satisfaction. These vendors have the ability to influence the direction and standards of the market.

Cisco and Flexera are named challengers. These vendors have strong execution capabilities but lack vision. They provide limited CMP solutions that focus on specific sections of the market. Their market share and customer base are moderate. These vendors are reliable for standard multi-cloud scenarios. These solutions can compete with Leaders by working on their vision.

Morpheus Data, Scalr, and Embotics are named Visionaries. These vendors have strong vision and innovation capabilities but lack execution capabilities. They provide unique CMP solutions that address emerging needs. These vendors have a small market share but high customer satisfaction. These platforms are suitable for complex multi-cloud scenarios. The vendors can become leaders by improving their execution and increasing their market presence.

CloudBolt Software and HyperGrid are named Niche players. These vendors provide CMP solutions for specific niche needs. These vendors have a small market share and moderate customer satisfaction. These platforms are suitable for niche multi-cloud scenarios. These vendors can improve their market position by expanding their functionality.

Implications for Vendors and Buyers#

The changes and updates in the latest version of the Magic Quadrant for CMPs have implications for both vendors and buyers.

Due to the inclusion of emerging technologies and trends, there have been some shifts in the positioning of various vendors in the magic quadrant. Some vendors have completely dropped out from the magic quadrant while others have improved their positioning. Microsoft Azure, for instance, has improved its position from challenger to leader in the quadrant while Embotics has slipped from leader quadrant to visionary over the years due to a lack of adaptability. Microsoft has a clear vision and has the ability to deliver on its vision. Moreover, it supports multi-cloud and has automation and governance capabilities. These changes in vendor positioning indicate the importance of adapting to changing market needs.

The latest Magic Quadrant report identifies Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, and Niche Players in the cloud management platform market. Leaders demonstrate strong execution and a comprehensive vision, offering robust multi-cloud management capabilities. Challengers and Visionaries excel in either execution or vision, while Niche Players provide specialized solutions for specific use cases. These findings help organizations understand vendor positions, strengths, and market trends, aiding them in selecting the right cloud management platform for their needs.

Introducing Nife Labs: A Cloud Computing Platform#

Nife Labs is a global edge application platform that empowers enterprises and developers to rapidly launch their applications on any infrastructure. It is a cloud computing platform designed to facilitate faster deployment, effective scaling, and ease of management. Here are some key features of the platform.

Rapid Application Deployment:

Nife Labs simplifies the process of deploying applications by providing a streamlined interface. Enterprises and developers can quickly launch their applications on any infrastructure, regardless of the underlying cloud platform.

Effective Scaling:

With Nife Labs, businesses can seamlessly scale their applications based on demand. The platform supports efficient scaling across multiple regions, taking into consideration factors such as network routing and quick application instantiation. This ensures optimal performance and availability, even in geographically distributed environments.

Ease of Management:

Nife Labs offers user-friendly management capabilities, making it easier for enterprises to oversee and control their cloud applications. The platform provides tools for monitoring application performance, generating reports, and setting up alerts. This enables organizations to proactively identify issues, optimize performance, and ensure smooth operations.

Business Advantages of Nife Labs:#

Faster Deployment and Time-to-Market:

Nife Labs enables rapid deployment of applications, allowing businesses to bring their products and services to market more quickly. By automating key tasks and providing a simplified deployment process, Nife Labs reduces the time and effort required for application deployment, giving enterprises a competitive edge.

Cost Optimization:

Nife Labs offers a cost-effective solution for application deployment and management. By leveraging the platform's capabilities, businesses can avoid excessive infrastructure costs and reduce the need for extensive manual intervention. This results in cost savings and improved resource allocation.

Cloud Management Platform for Nife:#

While Nife Labs is not a cloud management platform itself, it can be effectively managed through a cloud management platform. By integrating Nife Labs with a cloud management platform, enterprises can benefit from centralized management, resource allocation, and control over their cloud computing infrastructure. This integration allows businesses to leverage the advanced capabilities of Nife Labs while benefiting from the comprehensive management features provided by a cloud management platform.

Try Nife Labs for seamless cloud application deployment and management.

Conclusion:#

In conclusion, Gartner's Magic Quadrant holds significant influence and guidance for both vendors and buyers in the cloud management platform market. It provides valuable insights into the competitive landscape and helps organizations make informed decisions. As the market evolves, the newly public Magic Quadrants bring updated criteria and considerations, reflecting emerging technologies and trends. Cloud management platforms play a crucial role in managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure, and Gartner's Magic Quadrant serves as a compass for navigating this ever-changing landscape. Future developments in the Magic Quadrant will continue to shape the industry and drive innovation.

Introduction#

Organizations are constantly concentrating on lowering network latency and computing delay duration, as well as the volume of data communicated or maintained in the server. Organizations recognise the need to modify their processing practices and are adopting Edge Computing to speed their Digitalization activities [(Dokuchaev, 2020)]. The job of digital transformation is primarily reliant on data processing. However, to make substantial modifications, organisations must frequently make major changes as far as how data is being collected, handled, and analysed. As organizational edge computing apps acquire traction, it is increasingly evident how much they will interact with digitalization programmes. Edge computing might be the connection that amplifies prospective corporate goals in the form of different continuous innovations, such as deep learning or the Internet of things.

Traditional cloud Vs. Edge Computing#

The traditional cloud-based model relies on a centralized database, where data is obtained on the periphery and then transported to the main data centres for analysis. Edge computing negates such a need to send raw information to the central network infrastructure. It implements a decentralized IT infrastructure in which data is processed near the edge, in which it is created and absorbed and it also empowers more instantaneous impact of analysis tools and AI functionality.

Edge Computing's Role in Digital Transformation

Edge Computing's role in Digital Business transformation could indeed allow rapid, less constrictive data processing, allowing for additional insight, quicker reaction times, and enhanced client interactions. Edge and AI-powered products and AI can instantly comprehend, understand, and make decisions and Data processes. Edge Computing on Internet of things devices can significantly decrease delay, boost performance, and enable enhanced decisions, laying the groundwork for simplified IT facilities. Furthermore, the coming of 5G technology, paired with both the potential of Edge Computing and IoT, has the potential to provide endless future opportunities.

Edge Computing's Digital Transformation across various business#

Manufacturing & Operations

Edge computing enables improved preventative analysis, improves efficiency, and energy usage, and improves dependability and effective availability in industrial enterprises [(Albukhitan, 2020)]. Edge Computing may assist businesses in making quicker and more effective marketing choices about their operational functions. Edge computing may be extremely advantageous for manufacturers engaged in places with limited or non-existent broadband.

Distribution Network

A lot of things happen along the distribution chain's edge, and a much may go incorrect. Businesses may extend the accessibility and exposure of their distribution networks by separating activities into groups of lesser, relatively controllable activities by digitally linking and managing the operations at the edge. The information gained from the edges of distribution networks, supported by AI and computerized technologies, would assist businesses to efficiently respond to market circumstances, foresee lengthy patterns ahead of their rivals, and adapt plans at the moment down to its regional scale [(Ganapathy, 2021)].

Workplace security#

Edge computing has the potential to improve safety regulations across enterprises. The said Edge technology could indeed integrate and interpret information from on-site camera systems, worker security devices, and numerous other detectors to assist businesses in keeping tabs on employment conditions or make sure that all staff have significant compliance safety procedures, particularly when a place of work is distant or exceptionally risky [(Atieh, 2021)].

Autonomous Vehicles#

To function properly, autonomous cars will have to collect and evaluate massive volumes of data about their settings, routes, weather patterns, communicating with several other on-road automobiles, and so forth [(Liu et al., 2019)]. Edge Computing will allow self-driving cars to gather, analyse, and distribute information in real-time across automobiles and larger networks.

Retail#

Edge Computing may assist retail enterprises in maximising the usage of IoT devices and transmitting a multitude of data in real-time including monitoring, inventory management, retail sales, and so on [(Ganapathy, 2021)]. This innovation may be used to fuel Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, and also uncover commercial possibilities such as an efficient endcap or promotion, anticipate sales, optimise supplier procurement, and so forth.

Healthcare#

The healthcare business has seen an exponential increase in the amount of client data collected by gadgets, monitors, as well as other medical devices. Edge Computing enables organisations to gain access to data, particularly issue data, so that professionals may take quick action to assist patients to prevent health crises instantaneously (Hartmann, Hashmi and Imran, 2019).

Conclusion#

Since Edge Computing has yet to see widespread acceptance, the potential of this digitalization cannot be underestimated. Edge Computing, being the most practical infrastructure for placing computing infrastructure directly to the data source, may help organisations accelerate their Digital Transformation emphasis. The edge technology's importance will be seen broadly soon because it can successfully handle developing network difficulties connected with transporting massive amounts of data that enterprises create and consume today. It is no longer only an issue of quantity, but also of latencies because apps rely on analysis and reactions that are more time-sensitive.

Introduction#

Consumers want quicker, better, more convenient, and revolutionary data speeds in this internet age. Many people are eager to watch movies on their smartphones while also downloading music and controlling many IoT devices. They anticipate a 5G connection, which will provide 100 times quicker speeds, 10 times more capacity, and 10 times reduced latency. The transition to 5G necessitates significant expenditures from service providers. To support new income streams and enable better, more productive, and cost-effective processes and exchanges, BSS must advance in tandem with 5G network installations (Pablo Collufio, 2019). Let's get ready to face the challenges of 5G monetization.

Why 5G monetization?#

The appropriate 5G monetization solutions may be a superpower, allowing CSPs to execute on 5G's potential from the start. The commercialization of 5G is a hot topic. "Harnessing the 5G consumer potential" and "5G and the Enterprise Opportunity" are two studies that go through the various market prospects. They illustrate that, in the long term, there is a tremendous new income opportunity for providers at various implementation rates, accessible marketplaces, and industry specializations. “Getting creative with 5G business models” highlights how AR/VR gameplay, FWA (Fixed Wireless Access), and 3D video encounters could be offered through B2C, B2B, and B2B2X engagement models in a variety of use scenarios. To meet the 5G commitments of increased network speeds and spectrum, lower latency, assured service quality, connectivity, and adaptable offers, service suppliers must discuss their BSS evolution alongside their 5G installations, or risk being unable to monetize those new use cases when they become a real thing (Munoz et al., 2020). One of the abilities that will enable providers to execute on their 5G promises from day one is 5G monetization. CSPs must update their business support systems (BSS) in tandem with their 5G deployment to meet 5G use scenarios and provide the full promise of 5G, or risk slipping behind in the 5G race for lucrative 5G services (Rao and Prasad, 2018).

Development of the BSS architecture#

To fully realize the benefits of 5G monetization, service providers must consider the growth of their telecom BSS from a variety of angles:

• Integrations with the network - The new 5G Basic standards specify a 5G Convergent Charging System (CCS) with a 5G Charging Function (CHF) that enables merged charging and consumption limit restrictions in the new service-based architecture that 5G Core introduces.
• Service orchestration - The emergence of distributed systems and more business services need more complicated and stricter service coordination and fulfillment to ensure that goods, packages, ordeals, including own and third-party products, are negotiated, purchased, and activated as soon as clients require them.
• Expose - Other BSS apps, surrounding levels such as OSS and Central networks, or 3rd parties and collaborators who extend 5G services with their abilities might all be consumers of BSS APIs (Mor Israel, 2021).
• Cloud architecture - The speed, reliability, flexibility, and robustness required by 5G networks and services necessitate a new software architecture that takes into consideration BSS deployments in the cloud, whether private, public, or mixed.

Challenges to 5G Monetization#

Even though monetizing 5G networks appears to be a profitable prospect for telecommunications, it is not without flaws. The following are the major challenges:

• Massive upfront investments in IT infrastructure, network load, and a radio access system, among other things.
• To get optimal ROI, telecommunications companies must establish viable monetization alternatives (Bega et al., 2019).
• The commercialization of 5G necessitates a change in telecom operations.

Case of Augmented Reality Games and Intelligent Operations#

With the 5G Core, BSS, and OSS in place, it's time to bring on a new partner: a cloud gaming firm that wants to deliver augmented reality monetization strategies to the operator's users (Feng et al., 2020). For gaming traffic, they want a specific network slice with assured service quality. Through a digital platform, a member in a smart, completely automated network may request their network slice and specify their SLAs. BSS decomposes this order into multiple sub-orders, such as the construction and provisioning of the particular portion through the OSS, once it receives it. The operator additionally uses their catalog-driven design to describe the item offered that its customers will acquire to get onboard new on the partner's network slice all in one location. This deal is immediately disseminated to all relevant systems, including online charging, CRM, and digital platforms, and may be generally consumed.

Conclusion#

5G can impact practically every industry and society. Even though there is a lot of ambiguity around 5G and a lot of technical concerns that need to be resolved, one thing is certain: 5G is the next big thing. Finally, whenever a user buys a new plan, he or she is automatically onboarded in the particular portion, often without affecting the system. The partnership will be able to monitor the network health and quality of various types of services for each customer in real time and will be able to take immediate decisions or conduct promotions based on this data (Bangerter et al., 2014). New platforms may adapt to changes based on factual resource use thanks to the BSS cloud architecture. All information regarding purchases, items, network usage, and profitability, among other things, is given back into circulation and utilized as feeds for infrastructure and catalog design in a closed-loop method.

References#

• Bangerter, B., Talwar, S., Arefi, R., and Stewart, K. (2014). Networks and devices for the 5G era. IEEE Communications Magazine, 52(2), pp.90–96.
• Bega, D., Gramaglia, M., Banchs, A., Sciancalepore, V. and Costa-Perez, X. (2019). A Machine Learning approach to 5G Infrastructure Market optimization. IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, pp.1–1.
• Feng, S., Niyato, D., Lu, X., Wang, P. and Kim, D.I. (2020). Dynamic Game and Pricing for Data Sponsored 5G Systems With Memory Effect. IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, 38(4), pp.750–765.
• Mor Israel (2021). How BSS can enable and empower 5G monetization. online Available at: https://www.ericsson.com/en/blog/2021/4/how-bss-can-enable-and-empower-5g-monetization.
• Munoz, P., Adamuz-Hinojosa, O., Navarro-Ortiz, J., Sallent, O. and Perez-Romero, J. (2020). Radio Access Network Slicing Strategies at Spectrum Planning Level in 5G and Beyond. IEEE Access, 8, pp.79604–79618.
• Pablo Collufio, D. (2019). 5G: Where is the Money? e-archivo.uc3m.es. online.
• Rao, S.K. and Prasad, R. (2018). Telecom Operators’ Business Model Innovation in a 5G World. Journal of Multi Business Model Innovation and Technology, 4(3), pp.149–178.

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