Dell, Ericsson Partner to Accelerate Telecom Network Cloud Transformation

Dell Technologies and Ericsson have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the transformation of telecom network clouds. This collaboration aims to address the challenges faced by communications service providers (CSPs) as they seek to improve network economics and agility while maintaining reliability.

A recent MeriTalk study, sponsored by Dell Technologies, highlights the urgency of network transformation, with nine out of ten CSPs recognizing it as critical to their survival. However, 96% of CSPs report that their transformation efforts are hindered by constraints such as limited time, budget, and concerns about reliability and security.

Dell and Ericsson are set to tackle these issues by developing straightforward and reliable Open RAN-based network cloud transformation strategies. These strategies will leverage integrated solutions and support from both companies.

Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Telecom Systems Business at Dell Technologies, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Communications service providers have a crucial window of opportunity to lay the foundation for network cloud transformation and drive business growth. Our collaboration with Ericsson, combined with our decades of digital transformation expertise, will provide network operators the full plan and technologies they need to accelerate their network and operation transformations.”

Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks at Ericsson, added, “Working closer with Dell Technologies will help further develop cloud-native programmable networks that bring new ideas and practices to the telecom market. This strategic partnership will strengthen our cloudification efforts as we gear up to launch Open RAN-based commercial solutions.”

The Dell and Ericsson partnership will focus on:

– Tailored Network Cloud Transformation Plans: Advising CSPs on network architectures and operating models, while mitigating risks associated with open, multi-vendor environments. The collaboration aims to co-create solutions that enhance energy efficiencies and innovate Cloud RAN infrastructure operations.

– Commercial Introduction of Ericsson Cloud RAN Software on Dell PowerEdge Servers: Offering continuous integration testing and lifecycle management to expedite deployment and reduce risks during updates and upgrades, with Dell as a solution partner.

– Co-developed Services for Simplified Deployment: Streamlining the deployment process from factory validation to installation and ongoing operational management, backed by joint support from Dell and Ericsson.

Chris Sambar, Head of Network at AT&T, highlighted the importance of vendor collaboration: “To accelerate cloud-based open networks, the telecom industry needs vendors to come together to develop solutions that deliver more growth opportunities with minimal risk.”

In 2023, Dell Technologies and Ericsson began collaborating on Cloud RAN solutions, combining Ericsson Cloud RAN software and RAN equipment with Dell Technologies infrastructure to expand the ecosystem and provide more flexibility to customers.

Ericsson is actively participating in the Network X Americas event in Irving, Texas, where they will discuss the latest advancements in Cloud RAN and Open RAN markets, the evolution of wireless networks, and the industrialization of Open RAN. Keynote speeches by Ericsson representatives will provide further insights into these topics.