VimpelCom, which serves more than 200 million mobile and broadband customers across Russia and 13 other countries, has selected Ericsson to transform its global IT infrastructure. Ericsson valued the deal at more than US$1 billion.
Under the partnership, Ericsson will undertake a complete overhaul of VimpelCom’s IT infrastructure across 11 countries and 12 time zones. Ericsson said the project’s scale is the largest and most ambitious in the industry’s history.
VimpelCom will digitalize and globalize its Business Support Systems (BSS) infrastructure using Ericsson’s new software and cloud technologies. The Digital Stack will accelerate product and service development, while the delivery and use of near real-time analytics, will allow greater personalization of services for customers. In addition, a simpler user interface will also enhance the customer experience on all levels.
Jean-Yves Charlier, Chief Executive Officer of VimpelCom, said: “This marks a fundamental milestone in our transformation as we move ahead with our strategy to turn VimpelCom into a true digital pioneer. The new Digital Stack will help us better respond to our customers while also centralizing and simplifying our business, creating lean and agile operations that will result in a more efficient cost structure across our global footprint.”
Hans Vestberg, President and CEO, Ericsson, said: “In a fully connected world, success for operators requires performance, flexibility and efficiency. Ericsson’s unique BSS as a service concept, combed with our leading services and technology capabilities, will support VimpelCom in realizing these ambitions while positioning the company for further growth as ICT transforms industries everywhere.”
