As a prime integrator, Ericsson can assist in both developing an operator's TV business, and design, deliver and integrate complete IPTV and mobile TV solutions - open solutions that include products from multiple vendors. The recent acquisitions of companies such as Tandberg Television and Marconi have further strengthened Ericsson's capabilities taking on the role as a partner and prime integrator.
Fredrik Ljungblom, strategic marketing at Ericsson Global Services, says: "To understand Ericsson as a business partner and prime integrator, you must understand the company is taking a larger responsibility in managing technology transitions, simplifying operations and bringing new services to market quickly."
Through its combination of leading technology and telecom services, Ericsson has both the critical products and the skilled people required to offer all-in-one solutions.
Ericsson emphasized its technological advantage and local systems integration expertise when it signed a deal with Telefónica in Spain. Taking on the role of prime integrator, Ericsson delivered a complete mobile TV and video solution, including deployment and integration of advanced mobile TV functionality.
"Our recent acquisitions of Marconi, Redback and Tandberg have not only given us more world leading products, but also great additional people with technical depth and range of skill, adding-on to our capability to manage the most complex projects and solutions," Ljungblom says.
"Now we have one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the industry, and the variety of our products and the number and quality of our people gives us a certain amount of versatility."
The key is understanding an operator's specific business issues. This allows the integrator to collaborate with the operator, help accurately define the services that customers want and set the right scope for a solution.
But taking accountability for the whole delivery involves both risks and challenges. "The prime integrator finds new ways to add value while managing risk, and this requires identifying strengths and weaknesses," Ljungblom says.
