Traditionally, the aim of managed services is to create cost efficiencies, reduce the complexity of network operations, and manage network quality. These goals are then tracked and measured through a number of pre-set technical key performance indicators (KPIs). The relationship between vendor and operator is a typical seller/buyer one and a fixed price model is used. By contrast, the new Experience Centric Managed Services model is designed to meet operators' evolving expectations for managed services, especially when it comes to ensuring customer satisfaction. Success is measured with the help of service- and customer experience KPIs in addition to technical KPIs. Examples of service- and customer experience KPIs include service availability, service accessibility, time for service activation and service response time.

Since Experience Centric Managed Services helps service providers improve agility and speed, it enables them to free up resources and increase their focus on specialization and innovation - to the benefit of the user experience and customer relationship.

Valter D'Avino, Head of Managed Services, Ericsson: "In the past, the main reason for an operator to sign a managed services agreement was to reduce costs. Now, Experience Centric Managed Services has the ability to play a vital role in operators' strategies by helping them to grasp new opportunities, re-evaluate their position in the market and ensure that consumer expectations are met."

The offering also creates value by supporting a people and culture strategy that fosters closer cooperation, proactivity and innovation. Experience Centric Managed Services is a partnership between vendor and operator that aligns both parties' business objectives with a risk/reward pricing model. In addition, it offers a holistic approach to managed services, covering both the network and the IT environment.

Ericsson AB