STOCKHOLM -- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has been selected as supplier by telecommunications operator Swisscom to transform its core network in Switzerland through the deployment of a telco cloud infrastructure and virtual network functions of its mobile core.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will deliver a range of solutions, including Ericsson Hyperscale Datacenter System 8000, Cloud Execution Environment, Cloud SDN and Cloud Manager.

Ericsson will also provide virtualized network functions (VNF) for Swisscom core network, including complete virtual Evolved Packet Core and virtual IMS which will be managed by the Ericsson Network Manager. Additionally, Ericsson will provide Swisscom with systems integration services.

By introducing cloud capabilities into Swisscom's network, the operator will be able to maximize the agility, efficiency and speed of its infrastructure. For example, by using Virtual Network Services for services such as mobile broadband, VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, Swisscom can scale the network differently for different services, as well as bring innovative services to market faster in response to changing consumer demands.

In addition to consumer offerings, Swisscom will be able to develop industry applications and Internet of Things (IoT) services targeting a wide range of enterprises and sectors. The transformation ensures the operator's network has a 5G-ready core and can be scaled as IoT adoption increases.

Daniel Staub, Head of Joint Mobile Group, Swisscom, says: "With the Implementation of core elements in the cloud solution, we confirm our important and strategic partnership with Ericsson, which we have announced end of last year. The collaboration has already impact on main components like Radio Access and Mobile Core, now also on the Network Functions Virtualization, which will bring our customer additional benefits like simplified scaling of hardware elements as well as speed and agility in their product development."

Anders Lindblad, Head of Business Unit Cloud & IP, Ericsson, says: "By bringing agility, efficiency and speed to networks everywhere, cloud is a key enabler of the Networked Society. This agreement with Swisscom is a great example of how Ericsson's cloud transformation capabilities help our customers to capture these benefits and turn them into effective differentiators."

Ericsson Cloud solutions:
Ericsson Hyperscale Datacenter System 8000 is a new generation of datacenter system which uses disaggregated hardware architecture for better resource utilization. The initial focus is on complete operator cloud transformation for network functions virtualization, IT and commercial cloud operations.

Ericsson Cloud Execution Environment is based on OpenStack and supports applications including virtual network functions from Ericsson and third parties. Ericsson is a platinum member of OPNFV, with the aim of speeding up the implementation of network functions virtualization.

Ericsson Cloud SDN brings the power of programmability and automation to networks, to fully realize the potential of a cloud-based architecture for applications and network functions. The Ericsson Cloud SDN solution is powered by the Ericsson SDN controller, which is a commercial (hardened) version of the open source OpenDaylight SDN controller.

Ericsson Network Manager brings its unique capability of hybrid network management, managing both physical & virtual network functions and providing a common view of network resources and services across multiple network technologies and life cycle management of VNFs.

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)