Telecom Lead Europe: FASTWEB, a mobile operator in Italy,
has signed a seven-year managed services agreement with Ericsson.
The managed services contract includes data-center
consolidation, transformation, managed operations for its IT infrastructure,
etc.
The Ericsson deal will enable FASTWEB to introduce
advanced IT architecture and technology. The Swisscom Group-owned operator will
benefit from increased automation, with a lower environmental impact, more
flexibility and capacity and evolved services capabilities.
Ericsson said the contract covers consulting and systems
integration, transformation, management and maintenance of
FASTWEB’s Data Center. Through hardware transformation, using
Ericsson’s consulting and systems integration services, the operator two data
centers will be consolidated, allowing FASTWEB to use its IT infrastructure
more efficiently, enhance its time to market and to lower its environmental
footprint.
“This is an important step for FASTWEB and choosing
the right partner was essential. Ericsson’s solution had the right mix of
innovation, latest technology and controlled approach. We will be able to benefit
from a more scalable and powerful platform, supporting enhanced services,”
said Mario Mella, chief technology officer, FASTWEB.
“FASTWEB is an exciting partner for us because it
provides services beyond traditional telecom. Ericsson continues to expand its
professional services into new areas such as IT and broadcasting. With several
industries converging – telecom, media, and internet – the technology is
becoming more complex and our mission is to manage the complexity and ensure
the provision of streamlined, customer-oriented, quality services,” said
Valter D’Avino, vice president & head of Managed Services, Ericsson.
FASTWEB has 1.65 million customers. The mobile service
provider operates in more than 1.000 Italian cities with a network of more than
32,000 kilometers of cables.
