Spark NZ, HPE revamp hybrid cloud for managed services
Spark NZ has overhauled its core cloud infrastructure with technology from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, in a move that reshapes the telecoms group's hybrid cloud operations and expands its managed services in New Zealand.
The project centres on HPE GreenLake and HPE Morpheus Enterprise Software. It replaces large parts of Spark NZ's legacy systems with a new hybrid cloud environment for both internal use and customer services.
Spark NZ is the country's largest telecommunications provider. It faces rising network use from consumers and businesses and growing demand for data-intensive services.
The company wanted a single, modernised cloud management platform. It wanted a structure that supports multiple types of cloud and traditional IT. It wanted stronger control over cost, security, and service quality.
HPE said the multi-phase programme now in place is enabling faster and more reliable hybrid cloud and managed IT services for Spark NZ customers. The new infrastructure supports higher levels of automation and standardisation across Spark NZ's technology estate.
Three-phase rollout
The transformation has rolled out in three main stages. Each stage targets a different layer of Spark NZ's infrastructure and services.
In the first phase, Spark NZ built a new hybrid cloud foundation. It used HPE GreenLake as a central part of its internal processes.
The new platform unifies compute, block storage and object storage. These technical components now sit on a single platform that scales as demand changes. Spark NZ said this foundation is adaptable to changing requirements from both the business and its customers.
The second phase added HPE Morpheus Enterprise Software. Spark NZ now uses this software to manage its on-premise private clouds. It also uses it to centralise access to public clouds.
HPE Morpheus includes tools for cost analytics, governance policy and automation. Spark NZ uses these functions to orchestrate change across different environments. The approach gives a single view across its cloud resources. It shortens the time needed to respond when business needs shift.
The third phase focuses on Spark NZ's managed services portfolio. Spark NZ and HPE expanded the telco's managed services for corporate and enterprise customers. They increased the level of management over core platforms, hypervisors and backups.
The companies said this deeper management base supports design work on new solutions. It also supports new managed offerings that sit on top of Spark NZ's network and cloud assets.
Customer demand
New Zealand's telecommunications market covers a dispersed population and a mix of urban and rural regions. Providers must support a wide range of customers across consumer, business and enterprise segments.
Data usage and digital service consumption continue to rise. Businesses in sectors such as finance, government, utilities and logistics are adopting more cloud-based and AI-enabled tools.
Spark NZ said its early adoption of new infrastructure positions it to handle these patterns. It also said the upgrades support national digital resilience and cost control for customers.
Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director at HPE South Pacific, said the work with Spark NZ highlights a broad set of offerings from the US technology group.
"We're incredibly proud of the partnership we have with Spark NZ and the innovations that we have delivered to evolve its capabilities and bring cutting-edge solutions to their customers," said Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director at HPE South Pacific. "This collaboration demonstrates the full breadth of modern solutions HPE offers, from modernising cloud infrastructure capability to enabling greater efficiency and scalability. We're excited to see how this partnership will continue to deliver outcomes in an ever-evolving landscape, and what new business opportunities we'll see once these projects mature."
HPE framed the initiative as an example of the shift by telecoms providers towards hybrid and multicloud architectures. It also highlighted the role of automation in managing complex estates.
Hybrid cloud focus
Spark NZ said the strategy reflects a view that neither pure public cloud nor solely on-premise systems meet all the needs of New Zealand businesses.
The company said customers want flexibility in how they deploy workloads. It said they also want higher levels of control and speed when they adjust services.
Penny White, Business Technology Services General Manager at Spark NZ, said hybrid models address several constraints for customers.
"As technology continues to evolve, business needs are changing. Relying on either public or on-premise cloud alone doesn't offer the flexibility, control, and speed that enables them to make the most of technology to improve productivity. These barriers can be overcome by hybrid cloud and that's exactly where Spark is focused," said Penny White, Business Technology Services General Manager at Spark NZ. "Our strategic partnership with HPE has not only strengthened our foundational infrastructure; it has also positioned us to continue to deliver the seamless, user-friendly experience our customers expect while unlocking increased efficiencies, tangible business outcomes and new potential capabilities to take advantage of."
Spark NZ and HPE said they expect the modernised platform to support further AI-based services and other digital products for New Zealand organisations over the coming years.