Dell & Ericsson join forces for cloud transformation boost

Dell Technologies and Ericsson have announced a strategic partnership to guide communications service providers (CSPs) through their radio access network (RAN) cloud transformation journeys. This collaboration combines Dell's digital transformation expertise with Ericsson's telecom solutions to address CSPs' evolving needs.

A MeriTalk study commissioned by Dell Technologies revealed that nine out of ten CSPs believe network transformation is crucial for their survival. Despite this, 96 percent of those surveyed indicated limited resources, including time, budget, and concerns over reliability and security, hinder their transformation efforts.

The partnership between Dell and Ericsson seeks to mitigate these challenges by working closely with CSPs to develop uncomplicated and dependable Open RAN-based network cloud transformation strategies. Both companies' combined solutions and support are intended to simplify the transition to cloud-based networks.

Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Telecom Systems Business at Dell Technologies, commented, "Communications s"rvice 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 to positively impact the trajectory of their businesses."

Fredrik Jejdlin", Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks at Ericsson, stated, "Working closer w"th Dell Technologies will help further develop cloud-native programmable networks that bring new ideas and practices to the telecom market. 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’ portfocompanies'ew markets."

Dell and Ericsson will collaborate to develop tailored network cloud transformation plans and advise CSPs on network architectures and operating models as part of the agreement. The partnership aims to reduce the risks of deploying open, multi-vendor environments and co-create solutions that enhance energy efficiency and innovative Cloud RAN infrastructure operations.

Additionally, the companies plan to introduce Ericsson Cloud RAN software on Dell PowerEdge servers commercially. This solution will offer continuous integration testing and lifecycle management to accelerate deployment and de-risk updates and upgrades. Dell will serve as a solution partner to support these efforts.

Chris Sambar, Head of Network at AT&T, expressed optimism about the 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. We look forward to continued innovation and collaboration as we continue our Open RAN journey."

The initiative builds on the existing collaboration between Ericsson and Dell Technologies, which began in 2023. Both companies have focused on developing Cloud RAN solutions by leveraging Ericsson’s Cloud RAN software aEricsson'sipment alongside Dell’s infrastructure.