Introduction

In a recent interview at the Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona, Jeff Hollingworth, the Chief Marketing Officer of Rakuten Symphony discussed the distinctive position of the company in the telecommunications sector. Rakuten Symphony, a relatively new name in the industry, emerged from Rakuten's decision to build the fourth mobile network in Japan in 2018, known as Rakuten Mobile. However, rather than following the traditional approach, Rakuten opted for a radical software-based, cloud-native design for its network. In 2021, the formulation of Rakuten Symphony was announced as a means of making the software developed by Rakuten Mobile available to other operators worldwide. This move is projected to parallel the relationship between Amazon and AWS, where the former runs on the infrastructure built by the latter, positioning Rakuten as both an operator and a vendor in the telecommunications market. The implementation of this model impels a significant shift, shifting the industry's focus from hardware to software and presenting a transformational backdrop for telecommunications.

Rakuten Symphony and Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten Symphony and Rakuten Mobile are two entities within the Rakuten Group with distinct roles in the telecommunications industry. Rakuten Mobile, established in 2018, is the fourth mobile network operator in Japan. It was developed with a unique software-based, cloud-native design, making it fundamentally different from traditional mobile networks. The company's background as an internet software company influenced its unconventional approach to network development, challenging the status quo. On the other hand, Rakuten Symphony, announced in August 2021, evolved from the software developed by Rakuten Mobile.

Rakuten Symphony functions as the provider that extends the software developed by Rakuten Mobile to other telecommunications operators globally. This platform is akin to the relationship between Amazon and AWS, where the former utilizes the infrastructure built by the latter. Notably, Rakuten Symphony’s establishment marks a shift in the telecom industry from hardware-centric operations to software-driven solutions. Through its innovative approach, it aims to revolutionize the telecom landscape by offering a transformative model that emphasizes the power of software in telecommunications.

The Role of Symphony in Telecommunications

Rakuten Symphony, a relatively lesser-known entity, emerged in response to the need for a transformation in the telecommunications industry. Acting as a conduit between Rakuten Mobile and other mobile operators, Symphony offers a revolutionary approach to network architecture. Established as a spin-off from Rakuten Group in August 2021, Symphony's primary objective is to extend Rakuten Mobile's cloud-native, software-based network infrastructure to the global telecommunications market.

Symphony's fundamental differentiator lies in its philosophy of leveraging a thoroughly software-based, cloud-native design to build and deploy mobile networks. By democratizing the software platforms developed within Rakuten Mobile, Symphony equips other operators with advanced telecom technologies. Essentially, it redistributes the solutions initially created for internal use to benefit the wider telecommunications industry. This transformative shift from hardware-centric to software-driven telecom operations marks a pivotal moment in the sector's evolution, mirroring analogous digital transformation trends in other technology-centric industries.

Symphony's emergence signifies a strategic thrust towards modernizing telecom operations. By providing software platforms that underpin mobile network operations, Symphony aligns with a broader industry shift towards digitalization and automation. This move is poised to overhaul traditional telecom paradigms, enabling operators worldwide to embrace a cloud-based, software-driven approach to network development and management. As such, Symphony's role holds the promise of steering the telecommunications industry towards a new era of innovation and efficiency.

Sim World: Digitalizing Telecom Processes

Sim World is a software platform already implemented by Rakuten Symphony into the operations of their various clients worldwide. This platform is designed to digitalize every process required to operate a telecom business. From planning, deployment, and security to monitoring and operations, Sim World provides an integrated and comprehensive approach. Its innovative feature lies in the unified data shared across all stages, enabling a holistic view of the entire operation. This ability to accumulate data and build a complete operational profile empowers operators to optimize and automate their processes seamlessly.

Sim World's fundamental capabilities form the foundation for advanced functionalities such as zero-touch provisioning. As a critical component for successful telecom operations, Sim World streamlines workflows and data management, paving the way for enhanced operational efficiencies and improved customer experiences. The platform's holistic approach and unified data infrastructure make it a vital tool for operators looking to achieve meaningful transformations in their businesses.

Future Derivations: The Potential for Additional Platforms

With the successful establishment of Rakuten Symphony and Sim World, many are left wondering about potential future derivations and platforms. The widespread utilization of these platforms has highlighted the possibility of additional software and platforms that could revolutionize the telecom industry further. One potential derivative could be the "Simple Network Planner," a platform that could streamline and digitalize the entire network planning process for telecom companies. This would allow for efficient planning, deployment, monitoring, and optimization of networks, ultimately leading to enhanced operational capabilities and customer experiences.

Another potential platform could be the "Simple Network Operating System," which has the potential to automate and digitalize the operations of telecom networks. This could centralize and unify the network operations, resulting in increased efficiency, real-time monitoring, and the flexibility to adapt to changing network demands. These derivations continue the trend of digitalizing and optimizing various aspects of the telecom industry, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and responsive telecom ecosystem.

As the telecom industry continues to evolve, the potential for additional platforms and derivatives is vast. The success of Rakuten Symphony and Sim World has set a precedent for the integration of innovative software solutions. With a focus on digitalization, automation, and end-to-end optimization, future platforms have the potential to reshape the industry and drive significant transformation in how telecom networks are planned, operated, and managed. The introduction of such platforms could mark a new era for telecom, emphasizing a shift towards software-driven, agile, and customer-centric network management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rakuten Symphony's approach to redefining the telecom industry through software-based cloud-native design presents a significant paradigm shift. By leveraging the collective strength of Rakuten's extensive software platforms, the company has positioned itself as a game-changer in the industry, challenging traditional hardware-centric models. The introduction of Symphony and Sim World signifies a bold step towards digitalizing the processes required to run a telecom business seamlessly. The symphony platform digitalizes all operational stages, from planning to monitoring, thus enabling comprehensive end-to-end perspectives and operational optimizations, a pivotal capability for modern telecom operations.

The industry's long-overdue shift from hardware to software-centric models is underscored by Symphony's revolutionary approach. This transformative model not only empowers network operators but also holds the potential to redefine industry benchmarks. It aligns closely with the broader technological advancements across other industries, paving the way for a more competitive telecom landscape. Rakuten Symphony's commitment to transparency and education underscores a refreshing break from the conventional marketing strategies, offering pragmatic and actionable solutions to meet the evolving needs of the telecommunications sector.

Highlight

Jeff Hollingworth, the CMO of Rakuten Symphony, delves into the company's background and its impact on the telecommunications industry in a recent interview at the Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona.

He explains that Rakuten Symphony, a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, is leveraging the software-based, cloud-native approach that Rakuten Mobile, the fourth mobile network in Japan, adopted. The company has digitalized the processes required to run a telecom business, offering a software platform called Sim World, which provides end-to-end capabilities for planning, deployment, security, monitoring, and operations. Sim World enables operators to optimize and automate processes, setting the stage for zero-touch provisioning.

Hollingworth emphasizes that Rakuten Symphony's offerings are not simply conceptual but are already in operation in Japan. He describes the company's approach as a marketer's dream, as it aims to educate the industry about the real-world applications of its platforms.

Overall, Rakuten Symphony is working towards fundamentally shifting the telecom industry from hardware to software, aligning with the larger trend of digital transformation seen across different sectors.

FAQ

Q: What is Rakuten Symphony and how is it related to Rakuten Mobile?

A: Rakuten Symphony is a company that emerged from Rakuten Mobile, the fourth mobile network in Japan developed by Rakuten Group, often referred to as the Amazon of Japan. Rakuten Group initially ventured into building a mobile network in 2018 and created Rakuten Mobile in Japan using a software-based, cloud-native design. Recognizing the value of the software platforms and operating models developed for Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Symphony was formed in 2021, offering these technologies to other telecom operators worldwide.

Q: How does Symphony differ from traditional telecom companies?

A: Symphony represents a shift from hardware to software in the telecom industry, mirroring the transformation seen in other technology sectors. It provides a platform that digitalizes the processes required to run a telecom business, offering capabilities for planning, deployment, security, monitoring, and operations. This enables operators to streamline their operations, achieve efficiencies, and ultimately deliver more value to their customers.

Q: What is Sim World and how does it integrate with Symphony?

A: Sim World is a software platform that has been rolled out to customers globally, offering digitalized processes for telecom operations. It encompasses capabilities from planning to deployment, and from securing to monitoring, all supported by a shared data infrastructure. Sim World aligns with the broader vision of Symphony to empower telecom operators with a complete end-to-end perspective, enabling optimizations and automation within their operations.

Q: Are there plans for additional offerings under Symphony?

A: Rakuten Symphony aims to provide a suite of capabilities and applications to telecom operators. More specific derivations, the like of "Simple Network Planner" or "Simple Network Operating System," are expected to be introduced to the market. These individual applications within the Symphony platform will be presented and highlighted to demonstrate their real-life operational functionality.

Q: What is the industry impact of Symphony and Sim World?

A: Symphony and Sim World spearhead a transformative shift in the telecom industry, pivoting it toward a more software-driven approach. This shift aligns with the evolution witnessed in other technology sectors and holds potential to bring about fundamental changes in how telecom services are delivered and managed.

Q: Will Symphony's emergence prompt an industry-wide transformation?

A: The emergence of Symphony indicates a crucial inflection point for the telecom industry, marking a move away from traditional hardware-centric models toward software-driven operations. This shift underscores the need for the industry to keep pace with technological advancements seen in other sectors, potentially redefining the competitive landscape and driving the sector's overall evolution.

In conclusion, the emergence of Rakuten Symphony and its associated offerings signify a pivotal moment in the telecom industry, bringing about a significant shift towards software-based operations and promising potential transformations for telecom operators globally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rakuten Symphony's innovative approach is a game-changer for the telecom industry. With a focus on transforming the center of gravity from hardware to software, the company is pioneering a shift that aligns with the needs of modern technology companies. Sim World, a software platform that has already been deployed globally, illustrates the practical application of Rakuten Symphony's vision. As the company continues to educate the industry about its offerings, it is evident that their focus on solving real business problems sets them apart. With such a forward-thinking mindset and a track record of actual implementation, Rakuten Symphony is poised to make a significant impact on the telecom landscape.