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The Convergence of Information and Communication Technologies Gains Momentum

IVAN HUANG ROC GUO HARRY XIE ZHENGXIANG WU Huawei Technologies In the past few years, the boundaries between information technology (IT)—which refers to hardware and software used to store, retrieve, and process data—and communications technology (CT)—which includes electronic systems used for communication between individuals or groups—have become increasingly indistinguishable. The rapid convergence of IT and CT is taking place at three layers of technology innovation—cloud, pipe, and device—which are described in detail in this chapter. As a result of this convergence, industries are adapting and new industries are emerging to deliver enriched user experiences for consumers, enterprises, and the private sector. Several factors are driving the convergence of IT and CT and, consequently, contributing to the integration and transformation of cloud, pipe, and device technologies (Figure 1). For example, as the mobile penetration rate nears 90 percent globally, more people are able to communicate with each other through mobile devices. Many of these devices can interconnect through cloud computing services when accessed via the Internet. Adding to this momentum are innovations in smartphones, which allow users to send and download music and images, to use the Internet to purchase products, and to pay retailers and financial institutions electronically. In addition, more than 50 countries have invested in national broadband projects that lay solid foundations for bandwidths adequate to drive ICT convergence. After years of evolution, Internet services, telecommunications value-added services, and even media services are converging for both consumers and industry. Services carried by optical networks and other modern wireless “pipes” are moving to the cloud, and both industries and consumers are utilizing those services through a variety of integrated smart devices.