Operators are moving from legacy virtualized network functions (VNFs) to cloud-native network functions (CNFs), driven by the need for improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and faster time-to-market for new services. This shift represents more than a technology upgrade. It’s a complete reimagining of how networks are designed, deployed, and operated.
VMware Telco Cloud Platform built on VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) continues to lead the way in addressing the core challenges operators face during this transition. Recent research from Analysys Mason reaffirms the importance of building networks using a unified, horizontal network cloud platform that supports both VNFs and CNFs on shared infrastructure and Broadcom’s capabilities to deliver a modern cloud infrastructure that can support operators making the transition to cloud-native networks.
The Cloud-Native Challenge: Managing the Transition
According to recent research from Analysys Mason, cloud-native network functions (CNFs) will jump to 76% of mobile core network function spending by 2030, up from 36% in 2025. This rapid growth signals clear industry direction, but it also reveals a complex challenge: operators must balance innovation with operational efficiency while managing the coexistence of legacy and modern infrastructure. Without the right approach, this hybrid model creates operational silos that eliminate the very benefits operators seek from cloud-native adoption.
The Hybrid Reality
For many operators, the deployment of a cloud-native 5G SA core is an obvious place to start their cloud-native journeys. However, few operators can justify complete infrastructure replacement. The result? A gradual migration where virtualized network functions (VNFs) and CNFs must coexist. Analysys Mason found that 78% of operators run mobile core functions across at least two different deployment environments, with 35% using three or more different environments.
The Automation Gap
Cloud-native networks promise higher automation levels, but deploying CNFs alone doesn’t deliver results. To get the automation benefits of CNFs you also need to introduce cloud-native ways of automation and operating your networks (i.e. GitOps). Industry automation maturity lags far behind potential.
Analysys Mason’s survey of 75 operators in late 2023 and early 2024 measured automation performance against DevOps Research and Assessment (DORA) metrics, including deployment frequency, lead time to changes, change failure rate, and time to restore service for mobile core networks. The results reveal a significant gap:
- Most advanced operators with microservices architecture and horizontal platforms: 23% of maximum DORA score
- Operators planning to adopt horizontal platforms by early 2025: 19% of maximum score
- Remaining operators: 12% of maximum score
Even with advanced platforms, telecom automation maturity remains surprisingly low. The message is clear: implementing CNFs alone is not sufficient. The platform approach and operational model, including cloud-native automation frameworks like GitOps, matter just as much.
Skills and Complexity
Cloud-native networks require new operating models like GitOps workflows, declarative management, and automated CI/CD pipelines. Many operators lack necessary cloud-native skillsets and feel overwhelmed by transformation complexity.
Why Customers Choose VMware Telco Cloud Platform
VMware Telco Cloud Platform takes a different approach. It provides a horizontal network cloud platform that enables operators to deploy, manage, and operate all mobile core VNFs and CNFs on a single, unified infrastructure.
Key Platform Capabilities
Unified VNF and CNF Management
Deploy network functions from multiple vendors across different network domains on a single platform. Support for both virtual machines and containers eliminates operational silos and reduces vendor lock-in.
High-Performance Infrastructure
Advanced scheduling algorithms and Enhanced Data Path (EDP) technology deliver bare-metal-like performance while maintaining the operational advantages of virtualization, including enhanced visibility, analytics, and network programmability.
Intelligent Resource Management
The platform cuts costs and maximizes efficiency by automatically scaling infrastructure through shared resource allocation.
Telco-Grade Security
Built-in Kubernetes policy manager based on Open Policy Agent (OPA) helps operators enforce security policies across fleets of clusters, with preconfigured policies aligned to NSA and CISA security guidelines.
Flexible Cluster Management
Support for cluster rehoming allows operators to accommodate varying Kubernetes version requirements from different network function vendors, enabling smooth upgrades without disrupting operations.
Industry Recognition and Analysis
Recent Analysys Mason research highlights the growing importance of horizontal network cloud platforms for operators managing cloud-native transformations. The analysis emphasizes that operators should:
- Adopt common, horizontal network cloud platforms for mobile core VNFs and CNFs
- Support both NFV MANO and GitOps-based automation frameworks
- Work with vendors that have strong capabilities for both cloud-native and legacy networks
- Push vendors to deliver truly cloud-native network functions
The research positions VMware Telco Cloud Platform as a field-proven solution that addresses these imperatives with unified operations, converged automation, and readiness for AI-native network evolution.
Ready to Simplify Your Cloud-Native Network Transition?
Take the next step in your private cloud journey with VMware Telco Cloud Platform now!
- Learn more about the platform.
- Explore detailed capabilities in the VMware Telco Cloud Platform documentation and technical datasheet.
- Review the research and insights from Analysys Mason.
- Cloud-native networks: telecoms operator readiness and strategies for deployment and operations
- Broadcom supports cloud-native networks and automation through the VMware Telco Cloud Platform
- Contact your Broadcom representative for any further questions.
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