Ericsson and Google Cloud Launch AI-Driven 5G Core as-a-Service Solution

Introduction

In a significant advancement in telecommunications, Ericsson and Google Cloud have unveiled Ericsson On-Demand—a next-gen solution that transforms how core network services are managed and delivered. This innovative platform allows Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to deploy carrier-grade 5G core services rapidly, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility while leveraging AI technologies.

The Power of Ericsson On-Demand

Ericsson On-Demand is built on Google Cloud's robust infrastructure, utilizing AI capabilities and the Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) to provide an end-to-end managed service. This SaaS platform fundamentally alters the landscape for CSPs, allowing them to scale their network services effortlessly and pay only for what they consume. The platform’s designed approach aims to alleviate the pressures that CSPs face in a rapidly evolving market, where the ability to innovate quickly is crucial.

Key Features

1. Rapid Provisioning: With Ericsson On-Demand, CSPs can launch core network services in minutes, eliminating cumbersome deployment cycles typical of traditional setups.
2. Elastic Scaling: Designed for dynamic demand, the platform allows for immediate scaling, ensuring that capacity can be increased or decreased according to needs without upfront capital expenditures.
3. Cost Transparency: The solution operates on a consumption-based billing model, meaning CSPs are not burdened with fixed costs related to infrastructure or licensing.
4. Operational Management: Ericsson's 24/7 Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) teams monitor and manage the system, enhancing operational stability and reducing time-to-resolution through AI-assisted troubleshooting.
5. Robust Security Features: The platform includes geo-restricted deployments, identity and access management policies, and cloud-native firewalls, ensuring compliance and security at every level.

Adapting to Market Needs

The telecommunications landscape is under constant pressure to evolve quickly. Ericsson On-Demand enables CSPs to not only maintain but enhance their competitive edge through innovative features rolled out incrementally without causing downtime. This flexibility allows for the testing of new market strategies while ensuring service reliability, a critical factor for customer retention.

Eric Parsons, VP of Emerging Segments, Cloud Software and Services at Ericsson, emphasizes that On-Demand is not just a product but a vital enabler for companies to explore ambitious new ventures. As CTOs seek innovative solutions to keep pace with market changes, this platform offers the necessary agility and support to navigate the complex telecom environment.

Meanwhile, Muninder Singh Sambi, VP and General Manager of Networking and Security at Google Cloud, notes that this partnership is more than a technological collaboration; it's a step towards creating a future where telecom services are driven by AI and optimized for customer needs.

Conclusion

With Ericsson On-Demand, CSPs now have the tools to transition confidently into the future of telecommunications. This partnership between Ericsson and Google Cloud marks a pivotal moment in the industry, showcasing how cloud technology can be harnessed to deliver next-level network services that are resilient, scalable, and attuned to today’s demands. The future of telecom is here, and it is driven by the collaborative power of cloud computing and AI technology.