Ken Hu, Deputy Chairman and Rotating CEO of Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider shared at the Nikkei 2013 Global ICT Summit today, that the next 20 years will see the next wave of the digital society, characterized by big data and big wisdom. Businesses must restructure their thought process and mindsets based on the Internet, and proactively carry out ICT infrastructure transformation in order to support the necessary business transformatio
In a speech titled, “The Next Wave of Digital Society”, Mr. Hu shared his insights on four trends of the digital society with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from around the world. First, the Internet will become a fundamental element of our business mindset. Second, flexible working practices facilitated by mobility will become a basic lifestyle option, with borderless enterprises becoming an essential form of business operations. Third, through effective use of the Internet, cloud computing, and big data, mankind can leverage the wisdom of people and machines worldwide to create a new, connected and shared wisdom. Finally, as the Internet and social media continue to gain popularity, the behaviors and preferences of consumers and individuals are converging, and intelligent analytics can be harnessed for business benefits. As niche and domestic markets shrink as a result, enterprises must evolve to do business globally.
Mr. Hu said: “The Internet will become another form of infrastructure, just as electricity and roads did in the past. The Internet is no longer just a tool to improve efficiency. Networks have become the infrastructure to build future production models. More importantly, the Internet should be the starting point of our thought process. We will be able to see many new opportunities if we use such a mindset to evaluate traditional industries.”
“In the Internet era, the biggest challenge facing traditional businesses is the increased competition based on the Internet,” Mr. Hu added. “In order to face this challenge, traditional businesses must change their mindset and business concepts. By adjusting their mindset, companies will see fresh opportunities, instead of focusing on future challenges. With an updated mindset and new business models, companies can realize changes by embracing digital restructuring – a process of business transformation supported by strong ICT infrastructure transformation. Business transformation forms the direction and objective while ICT infrastructure transformation provides the structural foundation and support.” Mr. Hu emphasized: “ICT infrastructure transformation must be positioned as the driving force behind business innovation and growth, not only the tool for enhancing efficiency.”
In conclusion, Mr. Hu pointed out the importance of networks, IT systems, and devices in achieving ICT transformation. “5G technology is expected to achieve the speed which is 100 times that of today’s fastest wireless bandwidth,” Mr. Hu said. “As a pioneer of global 5G standardization and research, Huawei is committed to providing broader and smarter information pipes to achieve ‘zero distance’ between consumers and networks, ultimately connecting possibilities in the next wave of digital society.”
Huawei has established the future-facing 2012 Laboratories, which focuses on next-generation network technologies, including 5G, NG-PON and next-generation Internet, with the aim of embracing the opportunities and addressing the challenges of a digital society together with customers and partners.
