Operator also working with Snowflake on multi-cloud data management and analysis
Telefónica has announced it will work with Ericsson to evolve cloud RAN, based on Open RAN architecture. They plan to leverage “all the value of 5G through the exposure of new functionalities and APIs”.
The collaboration is intended to show the benefits of networks based on the principles of cloud computing and using standardised Open RAN interfaces, namely industrial scale, high performance and cost efficient.
Using 5G infrastructure, they plan to accelerate the evolution of the RAN and jointly develop, test and deploy cloud RAN with pilots in Europe.
Ericsson’s tech is the base
Ericsson claims its “Cloud RAN is based on an open and standardized architecture capable of providing connectivity on a global scale while being fully compatible with the Ericsson Radio System installed base, which will help service providers evolve their networks towards the architecture that choose”.
All of which feels somewhat contradictory given that Open RAN is all about getting away from big three vendors’ tightly integrated RAN units – that is, those of Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei.
Enrique Blanco, Global CTIO at Telefónica, said in a statement, “We are delighted to join forces with Ericsson. This collaboration brings together the best of both organizations, allowing us to take advantage of the latest advances in virtualization and cloud technologies.
“The network transition towards software-based operations and the evolution toward open, disaggregated network architectures will increase flexibility, enable new network architectures and models, and drive innovation.”
Multi-cloud data management
Meanwhile, Telefónica Tech will market the Snowflake Data Cloud in Europe which promises multi-cloud data management for enterprises. The operator believes this “single, integrated platform” will boost “enterprise scalability, performance, flexibility and security”.
Telefónica Tech will develop use cases based on the technology: its “exhaustive analysis of data” enables correlation between variables that can identify potential business problems or opportunities. The plan is to automate the analyses to identify and better manage risk.
As Alberto Sempere, Director of Services, Innovation and Partnerships at Telefónica Tech, puts it, “The agreement with Snowflake to commercialise its multi-cloud data storage and analytics platform is another example of how technology can help companies transform themselves, in a secure way, by providing them with a tool that has the capacity to generate value from data management and analysis.
“Anticipating and properly managing business data are key to building a more competitive, resilient and innovative business world.”