How Lebara Leveraged AWS to Achieve Global Success
Lebara, a well-known telecommunications firm, had long been the go-to provider for international SIM cards, helping migrant communities stay connected with their loved ones. However, as new technologies like WhatsApp and Skype emerged, Lebara faced a tough challenge. To stay relevant and continue growing, they needed to innovate and expand their offerings.
The Turning Point
It was in 2014 when Lebara’s leadership, under the guidance of CTO Richard Bastin, decided it was time to rethink their strategy. They organized a series of in-house workshops to brainstorm new product ideas that would not only keep their existing customers satisfied but also attract new ones. The team sifted through an incredible array of suggestions and finally settled on expanding into four new areas: communication, entertainment, financial services, and travel.
New Horizons
With this new direction, Lebara launched several groundbreaking products. Among them was Talk, a smartphone-only voice-over IP (VoIP) service designed to offer low-cost international calls without cannibalizing their existing customer base. They strategically rolled out Talk in countries where they previously had no presence, quickly gaining half a million new customers. Another significant launch was Play, a streaming service offering users access to 5,000 films and 250 channels, which saw enthusiastic adoption within their target market.
Embracing the Cloud with AWS
Bringing these new products to market rapidly and efficiently required robust and flexible infrastructure. This is where Amazon Web Services (AWS) came into play. By leveraging AWS’s cloud-based infrastructure, Lebara was able to reduce the time and cost associated with launching new services. The cloud platform allowed them to innovate quickly, enter new markets with less risk, and scale their operations globally.
Richard Bastin noted that using AWS significantly cut down their time to market and lowered the cost of entry into new regions. This agility enabled Lebara to transform from a single-product, Europe-focused company into a multi-product global player in a very short time.
A Team Effort
While AWS provided the technological backbone, the success of this transformation also hinged on Lebara’s dedicated teams. The company created specialized teams for each of their new product areas, fostering a culture of innovation and cross-selling opportunities. This collaborative approach was essential in realizing their vision of "One Lebara," where customers could enjoy seamless access to all services through a single profile.
Future-Proofing with AWS
Lebara’s journey with AWS didn’t stop at launching new products. They began migrating all their corporate IT systems to the cloud, a complex but necessary step to ensure they had the underlying infrastructure to support future growth. This move was part of a broader strategy to make their IT operations more manageable and scalable.
The Road Ahead
Lebara’s bold move to embrace AWS and expand its product portfolio has paid off. They have not only sustained their business in a competitive market but have also opened up new avenues for growth and innovation. The story of Lebara’s transformation is a testament to how leveraging modern technology and fostering a culture of innovation can drive a company to new heights.
Lebara’s journey from a single-product company to a global multi-product powerhouse serves as an inspiration for businesses facing similar challenges. By embracing change and leveraging the power of the cloud, they have secured their place as a leading telecom provider for the migrant community worldwide.
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