Dell Technologies and Ericsson have announced a strategic collaboration to leverage their expertise in telecom software, solutions, and support to assist communications service providers (CSPs) in their radio access network (RAN) cloud transformation journeys. Driven by increasing demand, CSPs seek to transform their networks and operations to enhance economics and agility while maintaining network reliability.
The partnership addresses these goals by combining Ericsson’s Cloud RAN software with Dell’s PowerEdge servers to provide scalable, efficient network solutions and customized transformation plans. The companies will guide customers through their cloud migration process and continually provide testing and lifecycle management help to customers.
Tackling lagging network transformation
A recent MeriTalk study, sponsored by Dell, highlights the urgency of network transformation. The study found that 90% of CSPs see network transformation as crucial for survival. However, 96% reported that their efforts lag due to budget constraints, time limitations, and concerns over reliability and security. The Dell-Ericsson partnership seeks to address these challenges by offering straightforward, reliable Open RAN-based cloud transformation strategies.
Leadership perspectives on the collaboration
Dennis Hoffman, senior vice president and general manager of Telecom Systems Business at Dell Technologies, emphasized the benefits of the collaboration. “Communications service providers have a crucial window of opportunity to lay the foundation for network cloud transformation and drive business growth,” he said.
“Our collaboration with Ericsson, combined with our decades of digital transformation expertise, will provide network operators with the full plans and technologies they need to accelerate their network and operation transformations, positively impacting the trajectory of their businesses.”
Fredrik Jejdling, executive vice president and head of business area networks at Ericsson, stated that the partnership would enhance the companies’ efforts to launch Open RAN-based commercial solutions.
“Building upon years of collaboration, this strategic partnership will strengthen our cloudification efforts as we gear up to launch Open RAN-based commercial solutions. The cloud-native network will enable frequent updates and the rollout of new features using continuous deployment. It will ease the adoption of Cloud RAN technologies and prepare both companies’ portfolios for new markets.”
A partnership with benefits for channel partners
The expanded Dell-Ericsson partnership which follows Dell’s earlier partnership with Nokia is expected to impact the telecom industry by providing integrated support for CSPs looking to modernize their cloud network infrastructure. By forming this alliance with Ericsson, Dell aims to create a robust ecosystem supporting CSPs in their shift to cloud-native, programmable networks.
The partnership equips MSPs with comprehensive support and customized transformation plans, enabling them to effectively manage their clients’ cloud migration processes with continuous testing and lifecycle management provided by Dell and Ericsson. By integrating Dell’s PowerEdge servers with Ericsson’s Cloud RAN software, resellers can offer their customers scalable network solutions tailored to the evolving needs of telecom operators.
Telecom companies are forecasted to spend big on cloud infrastructure over the next four years. See how you can benefit from this trend.