Orange's cloud transformation is not limited to hosting IT services for its customers. It extends to the modernization of its own core business: its network. The operator is engaged in a process of network function virtualization (NFV) to migrate physical equipment (hardware) to software deployed on cloud infrastructures.
This approach makes it possible to separate network functions from the underlying hardware. Instead of relying on proprietary switches or servers, Orange can now run them on a standardized cloud infrastructure that is more flexible and cost-effective.
Cloud transformation strategy and implementation
Objective: Achieve greater agility, reduce operating and capital costs (OPEX and CAPEX), and accelerate the deployment of new services, particularly for 5G and beyond.
Partnership: Orange is collaborating with technology leaders such as Red Hat to use open-source solutions, in this case the Red Hat OpenShift platform.
Migration: The operator is migrating its network functions (e.g., SD-WAN, voice services, mobile core network) to this cloud-native infrastructure.
Deployment: This new architecture is being deployed globally across Orange's points of presence (PoPs), migrating existing platforms and creating new ones.
Tangible benefits of this cloud transformation strategy
Flexibility and speed of deployment: Orange can adapt its network capacity in real time to meet demand, without having to install new hardware. New services or updates can be deployed in just a few clicks, rather than taking months of physical intervention.
Cost reduction: Pooling resources on a shared cloud infrastructure and using generic servers reduces the cost of purchasing specialized equipment and energy expenses.
Innovation: By leveraging an open ecosystem (Open RAN) and cloud-native architecture, Orange can more easily integrate technological innovations and solutions from different providers, such as Edge Computing or AI services.
Examples of Orange's key initiatives in the Cloud
These strategies illustrate how the operator is leveraging the cloud to modernize its infrastructure, innovate its services, and respond to market challenges.
1. Cloudification of the core network and RAN (Radio Access Network)
One of the main challenges of the cloud for a telecom operator is migrating its network functions to virtualized and cloud-native infrastructures. Orange has made significant progress in this area:
Partnership with Red Hat: In March 2025, Orange announced a strategic collaboration with Red Hat to accelerate the transformation of its international “Telco Cloud.” The goal is to migrate network functions, such as SD-WAN, voice, IoT, and the mobile core network, to an infrastructure based on Red Hat OpenShift. This initiative aims to increase flexibility, efficiency, and agility by leveraging a cloud-native architecture.
Deployment of hybrid Cloud RAN architecture: Orange has also explored the possibilities of a hybrid Cloud RAN architecture in partnership with AWS and Nokia. This approach combines local (on-premise) resources with public cloud resources, optimizing the deployment of 5G networks and offering greater flexibility and scalability.
2. Development of a sovereign and secure cloud services offering
Orange positions itself as a trusted cloud service provider for businesses, focusing on data sovereignty and security.
SecNumCloud certification: ANSSI's SecNumCloud qualification for its Cloud Avenue SecNum platform is a prime example of this strategy. It is the most stringent certification in Europe, guaranteeing a high level of security and compliance, particularly with the French government's “Cloud at the center” doctrine. This enables Orange to target businesses and government agencies that manage sensitive data.
Hybrid cloud partnerships: Orange Business has signed contracts with companies such as TMF Group to deploy centralized hybrid cloud solutions, improving its customers' operational efficiency and accelerating their own innovation.
3. Using the cloud for innovation in customer and business services
For Orange, the cloud is not just about infrastructure; it is also a lever for creating new high value-added services.
Partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Africa and the Middle East: Orange has collaborated with AWS to offer cutting-edge cloud technologies to its customers in these regions. This enables the operator to offer a wide range of cloud services that go beyond simple connectivity.
Cloud telephony and collaboration services: Orange Business has developed cloud telephony offerings and collaboration solutions integrated with platforms such as Microsoft Teams and 365. This responds to the rise of hybrid working and enables businesses to optimize their communications while reducing infrastructure costs.
4. Leveraging network assets and data
Orange is seeking to derive new value from its infrastructure and the data it generates.
Commercialization of network capabilities (Network as a Service): The “cloudification” of the network allows Orange to commercialize it in a more flexible and “on-demand” manner, transforming its physical network assets into virtual and programmable services. This opens up new monetization opportunities for business customers.
Development of generative AI offerings: With its Cloud Avenue platform, Orange Business offers turnkey generative AI solutions, backed by high-performance infrastructure (GPU servers) and expert support. This positions the operator in the fast-growing artificial intelligence market, leveraging its own cloud infrastructure.
