VimpelCom has entered into a software partnership with Ericsson in a deal worth more than USD 1 billion that will radically transform VimpelCom's global IT infrastructure.
The partnership will overhaul VimpelCom's IT infrastructure across 11 countries, digitalising and globalising the operator’s 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 personalisation 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: "The new Digital Stack will help us better respond to our customers while also centralising and simplifying our business, creating lean and agile operations that will result in a more efficient cost structure across our global footprint."
As a result of the digital transformation, VimpelCom's IT systems management will become smarter, simpler and more future-ready as the company prepares to unlock new digital services for customers that will be enabled by an advanced network, able to support future-proof features and services.
In addition to a significant reduction in operating costs, the improved technology structure will enable VimpelCom to fast-track its digital innovation strategy, particularly in the areas of mobile entertainment, communication, the Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile financial services (MFS). Along with a wider digital service offering, VimpelCom will have the ability to offer customers customised offers, a frictionless online service experience, and the speed and convenience of simplified and fully digital customer care.
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 realising these ambitions while positioning the company for further growth as ICT transforms industries everywhere."
As a trusted partner, Ericsson will enable VimpelCom's end-to-end digital transformation, which includes the management and operation of the new Digital BSS environment using a cloud-based digital support system architecture, with Ericsson's Revenue Manager at its core.
Yogesh Malik, Group Chief Technology Officer of VimpelCom, said: "The future is about being real-time, customising our offerings, and making them relevant and engaging for our customers as they navigate the digital world. Only by investing in the latest technology and going fully digital will we be able to provide these innovative and competitive services across the Group. Additionally, the pioneering Digital Stack technology will allow us to deliver new digital services that will be enabled by future networks, including 4G LTE and beyond."
