Ericsson and Ciena announced a global, strategic agreement to develop joint transport solutions for IP-optical convergence and service provider software-defined networking (SDN).
Under the deal, Ericsson will resell Ciena’s Converged Packet Optical portfolio, including the 6500 Packet-Optical Platform and 5400 family.
The companies also plan to build IPoWDM interfaces/boards for Ericsson SSR 8000 platform based on Ciena WaveLogic coherent optical processors. They will also develop multi-layer and multi-vendor open Service Provider SDN Transport Control.
“This strategic global agreement brings together two companies uniquely positioned to drive the adoption of more open, programmable networks. The integration of our industry-leading packet-optical technologies into Ericsson’s portfolio, combined with our global distribution agreement, allows us to address a wider market with a combined offering,” said Gary Smith, President and CEO, Ciena. “As our industry moves toward a more open networking environment, collaboration within an ecosystem of specialists will be critical for innovation. Our SDN-focused joint development activities will enable us to deliver on network transformation strategies that dynamically support changing demands for network-level applications and services.”
“The convergence between IP and Optical network layers in an Open SDN controlled architecture will enable more flexible and cost efficient networks for Service Providers” said Johan Wibergh, Executive Vice President and Ericsson’s Head of Business Unit Networks.” This agreement allows us to offer Ciena’s industry-leading Packet-Optical products. This is a great complement to our portfolio of 4th Generation IP products and will enable more complete and competitive solutions to our customers.”
The strategic agreement is effective immediately, and go-to-market activities and solution integration efforts are underway.
