Reducing Cloud Operation Costs by 40%... SKT Launches Solution

SK Telecom announced on the 11th that it has launched a solution that can reduce cloud operating costs based on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is most widely used by enterprises, by up to 40%.

The solution newly launched by SKT is an AWS-based cloud cost optimization solution that supports migration from Intel and AMD-based servers, which consume relatively high power, to ARM-based servers with low power consumption and high-efficiency CPUs, enabling operational cost savings of 20% to up to 40%.

[Photo by SK Telecom]

The domestic cloud server market is currently mostly built on Intel or AMD CPU-based systems. Since Amazon started cloud services in 2021 with its ARM-based proprietary CPU, Graviton, which offers low power consumption and excellent performance, some companies have attempted to switch. However, simply changing servers often results in programs not running or a sharp decline in performance, so actual migration cases remain minimal. Even with expert consulting, the high costs and manual work required lead to long migration times, making domestic companies hesitant to choose this option.

Since 2022, SKT has been promoting migration to Graviton-based servers to reduce AWS costs for itself and ICT family companies. It has migrated more than about 17% of the total cloud usage, one of the largest levels in the country. During this process, SKT secured a large number of experts in Graviton technology and developed the migration solution directly. Last month (August), SKT was recognized by AWS as the only official partner (SDP certification) in Korea. Currently, there are only six AWS-certified migration solution partner companies in the Asia-Pacific region, including SKT.

For customers to migrate apps developed in Intel or AMD environments to Graviton-based servers, the process requires ▲diagnosing migration feasibility, ▲consulting on how to migrate, and ▲executing the actual migration. Using the migration solution developed by SKT, feasibility can be confirmed simply by execution, some programs (source code) within the app are automatically migrated, and guidance is provided for the remaining programs that are not migrated. Additionally, it offers a function to verify normal operation by comparing features between the pre-migration app and the migrated app.

According to AWS global conference data from 2022, 48 out of the top 50 AWS customers use Graviton-based servers to reduce cloud operating costs. SKT plans to first provide the migration solution to small and medium-sized enterprises and startups that are sensitive to operating costs. To help SMEs and startups reduce the burden of cloud operating costs and focus on service development, SKT will offer a limited-time free promotion until the end of this year. Detailed information and inquiries about the solution can be made through the SKT Enterprise Business dedicated website.

Lee Dong-gi, head of SKT Cloud Tech, said, "The reason customers use the cloud is ultimately to reduce costs. SKT will continue to add cost-saving solutions and services so that customers using AWS cloud can receive high-quality services at optimal prices."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.