Worldwide Carrier Multi-Access Edge Cloud Software Forecast, 2024–2028
This IDC study examines the worldwide carrier multi-access edge cloud (MEC) software market for the 2024–2028 period. IDC expects the spending on software (i.e., virtual network functions [VNFs] and NFVI) at the carrier edge cloud across the four market subsegments considered in this document to grow from $7.1 billion in 2023 to about $20.4 billion in 2028, at a CAGR of 23.3%."As MEC emerges as a viable option for various enterprises verticals, it is becoming a key driver of new revenue streams beyond connectivity and critical for MNOs as they attempt to monetize 5G. Although edge initiatives are mostly related to 5G era, they will also expand in the wireline areas as cable MSOs, CDN, and wireline service providers build edge platforms for speed, availability, and security for next-generation enterprise applications." — Ajeet Das, research director, Telecom Network Infrastructure at IDC
IDC Market Forecast Figure
Executive Summary
Advice for Technology Suppliers
Market Forecast
The Carrier Mobile Edge Cloud
vRAN and the Transition to 5G Cloud RAN Architectures
5G Core Considered Starting Point for Many Communication SPs to Deploy VNFs and CNFs at the Edge
The Carrier Wireline Edge Cloud
The Cable Edge Cloud
The Carrier CDN Edge
Overall Carrier Edge Cloud VNF/CNF Forecast
Overall Carrier Edge Cloud NFVI Forecast
Overall Carrier Edge Cloud Software Forecast
Market Context
Drivers and Inhibitors
Drivers
5G
Enterprises' Move to the Cloud
Delivery of OTT Video
Inhibitors
Telco Cloud Best Practice Debate: Virtual Machines or Bare Metal
Telco Struggles with Rapid Network Functions Virtualization Operations
Significant Market Developments
Changes from Prior Forecast
Market Definition
Software-Defined Compute
Software-Defined Networking
Software-Defined Storage
Management
Orchestration
What in the MEC Is Not Covered in This Document
Methodology
Related Research
Research Assistance
Download our eBook: How to Succeed Using Market Research
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook