Technology Strategy Consulting | Actel Consulting

Your partner for

TECHNOLOGY advisory

Deep dive Hands-on Implementable

Intro

+

300 Repeat Clients Across a

Range of Sectors

Corporates, service providers, investors and innovators

30 +

Partners & Principals Hailing from Industry

From feasibility studies to design and execution

20 +

Years of Global Operation

Delivering innovation, tech disruption and value creation

Clients & Services

Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and ERM

Customized offensive and defensive services with a proactive approach to security

Proactive awareness and continuous assessment of vulnerabilities

Penetration testing

Provide real-world insights into security posture by attacking infrastructure like a motivated hacker would
External (black box) and internal (grey/white box) penetration tests

Red team exercises

Detailed testing of security operations capabilities and effectiveness
Penetrate clients’ systems without being detected by incident response team

Comprehensive review of:

Security architecture and existing protection mechanisms
Analysis of evolving security threats and vulnerabilities
Network/application/cloud security roadmap

Data Privacy

Policy frameworks for data privacy
Data privacy laws for data centers and telecom sector

Assist organizations within a vast range of verticals to create innovative resilient solutions to:

Cyber-attacks
Advanced threats
Malware.

Code review

Manually review all source code, utilizing custom built tools
Identify critical programming mistakes and vulnerable code

Phishing and social engineering

Detailed testing of cyber security awareness and susceptibility using unique techniques
Simulation of a sophisticated, deliberate attack by a motivated entity with strong expertise

Managed services

On-demand, proactive reviews of clients’ assets
Rapid scale-up of security, compliance operations
Minimize risks of digital disruptions caused by cyber threats
Comprehensive review of current security architecture
Cyber fraud investigation
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

Information and asset protection, cybersecurity governance
Formulation and implementation of IT-centric ERM framework

Digital Services, AI, IoT & Smart Cities

Smart city ecosystem advisory

Design, architecture and rollout of IoT, smart cities, and digital services ecosystems
Promotion of alliance and collaboration among entrepreneurs, industry, academia, and city governments
Business case for digital services and IoT solutions deployment across industry verticals

Digital services design and implementation

Implementation and deployment of digital services for public and private sectors
Design and specifications on integrated digital cross-media platforms including content strategy

IoT/smart city solution design and implementation

Tailoring digital services and IoT applications in smart city environments based on context-specific business cases
Smart city OS design and architecture
Development of low power wide area IoT networks
Integration and deployment of IoT backend solutions
Smart infrastructure (smart lampposts, smart bus-stops, etc.) and smart homes holistic design and considerations

AI Solutions Design

Tailoring digital services and IoT applications in smart city environments based on context-specific business cases
Smart city OS design and architecture
Development of low power wide area IoT networks
Integration and deployment of IoT backend solutions
Smart infrastructure (smart lampposts, smart bus-stops, etc.) and smart homes holistic design and considerations

Innovators & VC Tech Funds Incubation

Market assessment

Industry positioning and benchmarking
Market situation analysis and positioning
Competitive landscape analysis
Technology readiness assessment
Market entry strategy development
Initial Market testing and opportunity assessment
Market opportunity summary and strategies
Partner and ecosystem development plan
Market development plan for execution

Alliances strategy development and engagement

Determining business objectives and role of partners
Alliances strategy assessment and critical success factors
Startups ecosystem development
Partner program design, development and management
Partner recruitment and ecosystem engagement
Partner business plan development and execution

Market development

Portfolio and roadmap review and validation
Marketing plan and pricing models development
Engagement modeling
Go-to-market strategy definition direct/indirect options
Customer opportunity development
Partner and ecosystem engagement and deployment
Technical expertise to support engagements
Support in building local market capabilities

VC tech funds and incubation

Review of technology investments and rationalization
Specification of the VC/incubator service offering to the ecosystem and startups
- New venture development and management
- Evaluation of strategy, operation model, and execution
- Concept and design, launch, and evolution
Multi-stage incubation
- Baseline services offering
- Ecosystem - network effect
- Innovation acceleration - value creation and growth

Fintech & Blockchain

E-Commerce Fintech Solutions

Digital payments and e-wallets
SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale) and SmartPOS (Smart Point of Sale)
Open Banking
BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later)
CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency)
B2B financing and marketplace partnership ecosystem

Blockchain-based Fintech Solutions

Trade Finance
Derivative and commercial paper settlement
Distributed ledger-based commerce marketplaces
Dynamically discoverable shared economies model
Big data in marketing, RegTech
Development and deployment of, bank-in-a-box, and data-lake-in-a-box platforms

Other Blockchain Applications

Government – digital identity, secure data sharing, fraud prevention, improvement of transparency on government services
Healthcare – immutable, real-time updatable data stores for patients records
IoT – tracking of vast number of IoT devices, secure decentralized transactions and communications between devices
Telecom – enhance BSS/OSS processes such as number portability, billing, and SIM provisioning

Corporates

IT architecture, gap analysis, recommendations, benchmarking, and roadmap evolution

Computing and storage architectures evolution
IT transformation
Network virtualization
Application development, Cloud migration, DevOps, CI/CD Security Roadmaps

Compute/storage/network architectures and target deployment environments

Multi-dimensional analysis mapping of design, platforms, software, and security, with:

Availability
Scalability
Management
Performance

Virtualization and resource optimization models

Evaluation of the use of different forms of private/hybrid clouds

Methodology for multi-criteria evaluation of alternatives: cost, agility, security, portability, complexity, etc.; and governance, technology, and operational issues
Plan an on-demand service model that eliminates unnecessary IT investment

Private Wireless Services Recommendations, with the following considerations:

Considerations on categories of enterprise networks (independent/dependent), and types of enterprise wireless networks (stand-alone, RAN sharing, network slicing, etc)
Spectrum considerations
Device Ecosystem considerations
Core network considerations
Radio network considerations
Security Considerations
IoT use cases and multi-radio/WIFI considerations

Evolution alignment with design requirement

Architecting alternative application development environments

Cloud related services

Virtualization architecture
Cloud assessment and strategy
Cloud planning, design, and implementation
Cloud migration
Design of services (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS)
Integration of applications for cloud solutions
Design and development of cloud operation models - commercial and open source
Specification of monitoring tools for SLA management

Service Providers & Telecoms

Cloud and managed services

Advanced data management and disaster recovery
Advanced computing and data analysis Inter-cloud services
End to end cloud enablement
Security managed services

Virtualization and automation design and deployment

SDN/NFV evolution for transport, core, OSS/BSS and LTE networks
Benchmarking and go-to-market strategies for NFV vendors
Large-scale cloud clusters SDN/NFV networking optimization
SDN/NFV-based EPC/IMS and Cloud RAN solutions
Virtual Radio Access Networks

Data Centers strategy, planning, and design

End to End Architecture evolution
Feasibility studies and project cost budgeting Availability and capacity assessment
Business continuity and disaster recovery planning

Edge Data Center and Edge Compute

Edge computing/cloud for Telecom operators , Cloud operators and Enterprises
Advisory on edge software (from OS to application level), hardware (from silicon to systems), and standards evolution and relevant trends
Assess how DC and telco requirements should be evolved to address changing edge development and edge use cases requirements

Data Center sustainable design and renewables

Provide Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) for the construction of data centers and other mission-critical installations
Compliance with environmental tools such as BREEAM and LEED standards of environmental performance for data centers
Provide assistance with Electrical Services design for certification, preliminary and detailed design and construction

Entry to new market strategy

Competitive market analysis
Benchmarking and gap analysis
Feasibility study and business case
Disruption play
Ecosystem considerations

5G core and new services deployments

RAN evolution
IP mobile core network evolution
Mobile, traffic, video, and impact on network architecture
Analytics evolution, M2M, and impact on network architecture
IMS, 5G for voice and messaging
Offload solutions and impact on network architecture
Third party driven new business models

Fiber connectivity

Fiber network design and architecture evaluation, Single-Point-of-Failure analysis
Market bandwidth demand analysis
Partnership strategy development and engagement
Construction cost estimation and financial modeling

Subsea cables

Assess international bandwidth demand
Evaluate capacity of competing subsea cables and forecast price-erosion
Perform financial valuation of subsea assets based on market dynamics, cable capacity, technology, and current customer contracts

Satellite connectivity

Satellite applications and use cases
Satellite strategies and solutions from various sectors' perspectives - e.g., telcos, CSPs, ISPs, SIs
Regulatory considerations - international and local

Wi-Fi architecture and offload

SDN/NFV implementation
Cost optimization through detailed review of technical domains such as vEPC, vIMS, BSS/OSS, NFV

Small cells, DAS and neutral host

Neutral host enablement for mobile networks through analysis of ownership and business models
Technology evaluation - e.g., DAS, VRAN/CRAN, small cells

Public Sector & Regulators

Regulatory advisory

Study and assessment of fair competition
Long term license strategy and drafting of new licenses
Analysis of novel wireless standards and market impact assessment
Spectrum re-farming strategies
Study and evolution of spectrum allocation
Network sharing regulatory strategies

Public sector advisory

Government Electronic ID (eID) services - use case advisory, data privacy protection, end-to-end security hardening
Smart City planning, IoT network connectivity and security design, ecosystem and partnership strategies
Government Cloud strategy advisory - building cloud ecosystem through strategic alignment of Cloud Service Providers, technology vendors, and academia
Policy and legislation for building trusted environments to cloud-enabled services

Sustainable Design & Renewables

Environmentally Sustainable Design

Provide Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) for the construction of Data Centers and other mission-critical installations
Design of sustainable electrical system and procurement of equipment, review of tender packages, project management, software modelling for costing and sizing of various equipment devices and optimum integration
Application and utility connection and coordination for new supply and solar and renewable integration

Renewable Energy

Integration and optimization of hybrid renewable energy plants for the generation of hydrogen.
Design and installation of energy plant consisting of solar, batteries, hydrogen generation and storage in metal hydride tanks and electricity source from solar for hydrogen production via electrolysis.

Compliance

Compliance with environmental tools such as BREEAM and LEED standards of environmental performance for Data Centers
Building code compliance for electrical services and dry fire protection services

Private Equity & Infrastructure/Growth Funds

M&A due diligence

Review of technical and commercial modeling assumptions as a baseline for investment and financial analysis
Techno/commercial due diligence, as technology correlates and impacts existing and future product strategies, commercials and value creation
Retention rates, SLA performance, and related KPI's
Competitive positioning
Synergy analysis, includes overlap, complement, tech leverage, sales leverage, partnerships leverage, etc.
Gap, concern, and mitigation risk rating

Value creation

Operational improvements
Digital/IT transformation
Virtualization and automation
Product development and identification of suitable new sources of revenue generation
Big data analytics and AI

Financial modeling and valuation analysis

Scenario analysis and forecasted P&L
Cash flows and profitability projection
Estimation of future profits, cash flows, and profitability projection measures (ROI, ROE, ROCE, IRR, etc.)
Estimation of sales and expense projections (CAPEX, OPEX, EBITDA, etc.)
Evaluation of past financials including quality of earnings
Detailed review of capital structure (WACC, DCF, etc.)

Investor services

Bid book preparation
Market consolidation
Technology assets restructuring and carving strategies
Deal flow ecosystem building
Incorporation into post investment strategy implementation task force

Feasibility studies and market assessment

Market analysis, competitive analysis and business case building
Benchmarking covering current services, pricing, vendors, infrastructure, standards compliance, KPI’s, security, market size/forecast, differentiators, roadmaps, etc.
Operating model determination
Financial modeling to estimate P&L metrics such as IRR, NPV, Payback Period, etc.

Client

Consultants

Strategic technology advisory, cloud and managed services, business plans and benchmarking for IT, corporates, telecoms, data centers, innovators and VC backers, due diligence studies on investment and M&A targets

Claude Achcar

Mission critical electrical and mechanical systems design, building services management. Data center design, architecture, due diligence, test and commissioning. Power networks design and optimization.

Andrew Shute

NOC management, project and service management, bid management for nationwide mega projects, technical alliances and technology advisory especially in Packet Optical Networking, Data Center Interconnect, Outside Plant Fiber Optic Network, Mobile Backhaul.

Keith Chan

Fintech, Digital Transformation, Open Banking, Payments, WealthTech, Web 3.0/Crypto. Extensive experience in startup positioning and scaling, corporate innovation in financial services.

Paddy Ramanathan

Technology advisory and due diligence, IT Service Management, telecom networks, BSS/OSS, network management, data center design and assessment, cybersecurity, enterprise security and risk management

Romney Ng

Design and execution of cybersecurity operations programs in large Telecom, Technology, Banking, Healthcare, and Government organizations. Offensive Security and Incident response initiatives. Forensic investigations and security research.

Iain Paterson

Technology, market and economics of wireless networks, spectrum, and infrastructure solutions, product definition; financial modeling and strategic planning, due diligence, telecom operators and regulators

Frank Rayal

Mobile internet architectures, analytics, optimization, cloud networking, strategy advisory, TMT investment and M&A, virtualization, data center and networking architectures and design, information security

Dr Riad Hartani

Cloud-based hosted models, core infrastructure networking, access and mobile applications, networking and security strategy, OTT applications, digital transformation and enterprise architecture

Michael Li

Telecommunication and digital infrastructure. Expert knowledge in ICT regulations and public policies. Competency on the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data analytic and blockchain

Heru Sutadi

Strategy & technology marketing in telecom systems, energy management, IT and mobility systems, setting up local operations from green-field, start-ups & negotiating participation of venture capitalists, private equity players.

Dr Dipankar Sengupta

Policy frameworks for data privacy, classification and security for regulatory compliance, IT infrastructure and telecom regulations &policy analysis, trade agreements and policy for digital trade, technical standards (ISO expert)

Michael Mudd

Strategic partnerships, new market development, telecom and BFS sectors, OSS/BSS specialist, digital transformation, customer engagement, partner program advisory, business driven alliances engagement

Andrew Newton

Technology and network evolution strategy, cloud computing, storage, information security management and compliance, network and data center virtualization, SDN and NFV trends, IMS, LTE network and services, M2M

Trinh Ngo

IT Infrastructure and Telecom Networks, Data Centers, technology solutions design and implementation; Optical and transport networks, mobile core; Business development, project and program management.

Kokichi Kato

Mobile network architectures, data analytics, optimization, network security, disaster recovery network, technical due diligence, Internet of Things, heat management, data center operation

Dr Stephen Lee

Strategic advisory, go-to-market plans for IT corporates, telecoms, data centers, and innovators, cloud and managed services, consulting and advisory for intrapreneurship, JV/multi-vendor projects evaluation.

Maan El-Rayes

Threat and vulnerability assessments, risk management framework development, design and implementation of technological, physical, and operational asset protection controls, incident management, resilience assessment and training, asset protection

Ilya Umanskiy

Banking & financial services, corporate finance & capital markets, business process mapping & re-engineering, change management, MIS, dashboards & balanced scorecards & compliance, market studies & due-diligence

Raja Abdallah

Consultants

Our Partner-level consultants hail from industry and have a deep understanding of the business, market, competitive pressures, regulation, standards, dynamics, and of the guts of the technology and its roadmap. We excel at execution, the result of decades of tech work, designing, building, marketing, and maintaining tech infra, applications and services globally

Sectors

We provide detailed and pragmatic advisory to a wide range of sectors
We are often invited by other consultants and partners to contribute specialized tech know-how to client projects