M2M Challenge 2012: can you create an M2M-based application good enough to win USD 5,000?

The Networked Society and a world dominated by machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity is a lot closer than you might think. But what will we do with all those connections? If you have an M2M app idea, the inaugural global M2M Challenge, with a top prize of USD 5000, could help you play a role in changing the future of business.

The emergence and huge popularity of smartphones and tablets in recent years has shown the world that subscribers and businesses take to appealing apps like fish to water.

So imagine a world where there really are no limitations on the connectivity between machines – where apps help us to capitalize on fixed- or mobile-broadband-enabled M2M connectivity for personal, leisure or professional business reasons.

As enterprises increasingly look for M2M solutions, the M2M Challenge aims to unlock the imagination of developers, entrepreneurs and those working for businesses of all sizes involved in the M2M ecosystem, regardless of where they are in the world.

The concept is simple: submit a solution in any of the five competition categories that would improve business though innovative use of M2M connectivity. Ideas must be submitted by December 31, 2012. The categories are:

energy
security
healthcare
mobility (auto and transport)
consumer electronics and more.


Prize winners, and those behind other selected submissions, will have the chance to network with thought leaders and key influencers in M2M development.

The winner will be announced at the CeBIT IT Trade Fair in Hanover, Germany, in March 2013. Other competition details are available on the M2M Challenge homepage.

Ericsson and Swisscom are global sponsors of the competition alongside Telit and VARTA Microbattery. The competition is being run in association with the independent intelligence platform m2mapps.

Miguel Blockstrand, Head of Ericsson’s Product Line Device Communications, says huge numbers of new business-model opportunities are being opened up by M2M-based solutions.

“The transformative power of M2M connectivity for all sectors of business and society is on such a large scale that it really does have the potential to significantly change the future,” he says. “Given the potential numbers of M2M connections – Ericsson predicts a world of more than 50 billion connected devices by 2020 – we are still at a relatively early stage.

“The smartphone revolution has shown that some of the earliest mobile apps remain the most popular, so we are pretty confident that there are fabulous M2M app ideas are out there that can make their mark on business and society. This competition will help innovators to turn their vision into reality.

“Ericsson is dedicated to enhancing the M2M ecosystem. M2M apps are a crucial element of that ecosystem, alongside high-quality and dependable connectivity. That’s why we are committed to this competition and the long-term success of the M2M market.”

Ericsson will be represented on the judging panel, to be chaired by Robin Duke-Woolley, CEO of Beecham Research.

Managed services: it’s all about the customer experience

The customer is increasingly – and understandably – becoming the focus of managed services. That is why customer-centric services are Ericsson’s main focus at the Managed Services World Congress 2012 in Berlin, Germany.

In the early days of managed services, the focus was on improving efficiency and getting down costs. Today’s model is based not only on financial savings, but on creating sustainable business differentiation, on new ways to stand out from the growing competition.

And the customer experience is one of the most important ways to stand out. Analyst firm Gartner has identified customer experience as a key focus area in its top 10 communications service-provider trends for 2011-2012.

Ericsson, the diamond sponsor for Managed Services World Congress 2012, will be highlighting the customer-centric managed-services model at this year’s conference. The model focuses on customer expectations and demands, and ensures that service delivery is aligned with these requirements.

Bradley Mead, Head of Network Managed Services at Ericsson, says a successful managed-services agreement must be based on common goals from the strategic, business and operational perspectives. “Mutual understanding between the services vendor and customer-service provider allows you to make aligned, tactical choices,” he says. “Common goals foster closer cooperation, proactivity and innovation – and unlock the potential of both vendor and service provider.”

Ericsson representatives will meet at the Managed Services World Congress to discuss how customer-centric strategic partnerships can improve the customer experience and create additional business value.

“Both sides need to understand that and ensure that we are always driving things in a way where we both win, we both share in the benefit and we’re ultimately doing things that drive the right culture and business outcomes,” Mead says.

Enabling success with LTE

Hanna Maurer Sibley - Product Manager LTE talks about Smart, Simple, Scalable and Superior Performance Network and Ericsson LTE leadership.

http://www.ericsson.com/news/120907_enabling_success_with_LTE_244159018_c

Ericsson a partner for SingTel's 4G/LTE and network transformation

Ericsson supports SingTel to launch Singapore's first commercial 4G/LTE
SingTel's 3G networks have been upgraded to offer 42Mbps peak speeds using dual carrier technology (DC-HSPA) to support superior mobile broadband experience
Ericsson's end-to-end IP solution includes multi-standard radio-access network with RBS 6000, Evolved Packet Core and Evolved Packet Gateway on SSR 8000 Smart Services Routers in a full turnkey project
SingTel was the first operator to launch commercial 4G/LTE services in Singapore. Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) is a partner for this advanced network deployment.

Ericsson's long term relationship with SingTel began with the delivery of the operator's existing 2G networks. Ericsson played an important role in transforming SingTel's current 2G/3G network into a multi-standard network with 4G/LTE capability through a full turnkey project that includes installation, commissioning and radio optimization services.

The SingTel 4G/LTE networks is deployed on both the 1.8GHz and 2.6GHz frequency bands with 80 percent coverage by the end of this year and full island wide coverage by early 2013.  SingTel will also deploy heterogeneous network solutions, including small cells designed to cater to high-traffic areas.

To provide a better mobile data experience across networks, the 3G network has been upgraded to peak rates of 42Mbps, using Dual Carrier technology (DC-HSPA). This gives SingTel the edge to support its range of new 4G/LTE phones now in the market.

Yuen Kuan Moon, CEO Consumer Singapore at SingTel, says: "With the introduction of LTE-capable smartphones and tablets, meeting consumer demands for faster services and better performance is critical. We have been working hard on the rollout of our network with Ericsson."

In Singapore, mobile penetration currently exceeds 150 percent and, according to a recent Ericsson ConsumerLab study, Singaporeans are ranked No. 1 for smartphone ownership (74 percent penetration) and No. 2 for tablet ownership (31 percent penetration) globally. All of this is fuelling mobile data traffic growth in the city-state, prompting SingTel's decision to launch a 4G/LTE network.

Nicholas Seow, President and Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei at Ericsson, says: "Partnering with a leading carrier such as SingTel is of key importance to Ericsson as SingTel is one of the most advanced carriers in the region. I'm delighted with SingTel's continued trust in us as key supplier, and I believe this collaboration shows how Ericsson can help operators to successfully execute large and demanding projects. This reaffirms our leadership in the 4G/LTE market and extends our long-standing relationship with SingTel, which dates back to 2003."

Ericsson's total transformation solution includes the multi-standard RBS 6000 and Evolved Packet Core (EPC) with Evolved Packet Gateway (EPG) based on SSR 8000 Smart Services Router and SGSN-MME, together with self-organizing networks (SON) features to speed up deployment, and network management with Ericsson's Operation Support System for Radio & Core (OSS RC). The network is already positioned for the next generation of mobile broadband, as it is easily upgradeable via software to support LTE-Advanced.

Ericsson has now signed 88 LTE/EPC contracts in 38 countries on five continents. With this contract, Ericsson maintains its leading position in LTE and mobile broadband, currently providing coverage for 305 million of the 455 million global LTE population.

Ericsson sets the power standard in advanced bus converters

Ericsson’s Advanced Bus Converter footprint developed for robustness and low power losses Highest installed based worldwide for digitally controlled PMBus DC/DC converters Advanced Bus Converter footprint ready for extended functionality Ericsson’s Advanced Bus Converter (ABC) footprint is fast becoming a new standard in digitally controlled power converters. Introduced in 2008, the Ericsson ABC footprint was designed to provide additional functionality to system architects developing advanced power architectures to reduce energy consumption and also increase flexibility in their operation and supply chain. The Ericsson ABC footprint has been established as the de facto industry standard for Advanced Bus Converters, as it is used in more than 90% of the installed base of digitally controlled PMBus-based DC/DC products worldwide. Additionally, a growing number of companies are now developing Ericsson ABC footprint compatible products. Delivering a high level of robustness, low power losses, and an all-in-one interface for input/output (I/O) control and monitoring, the Ericsson platform is ready for future evolutions of Advanced Bus Converter technology including a greater level of integration into the digital power chain. "Since its market introduction in 2008, the footprint for Ericsson’s Advanced Bus Converter has become the de facto market standard and remains the only one offering full compatibility between surface-mount and through-hole-mounting products, while also enabling systems to evolve and offer more advanced features," said Patrick Le Fèvre, Marketing and Communication Director, Ericsson Power Modules. "Growing market adoption and new possibilities offered by this evolving ABC footprint is significant recognition of the efforts achieved by Ericsson R&D to develop a footprint that is ready to meet the expectations of systems architects in the next few years." Further bolstering the Ericsson ABC footprint, the company recently announced its leading-edge BMR456 and BMR457 Advanced Bus Converters, which also integrate the Ericsson DC/DC Energy Optimizer firmware. The BMR456 and BMR457 ABCs are part of the Ericsson 3E* products and patents portfolio. Through close cooperation with board and systems designers, Ericsson was the first to release a 21st century power architecture that can be fully integrated into the rest of the digital chain of processors and associated components. * Enhanced Performance, Energy Management, and End-user Value are the key benefits delivered by Ericsson’s range of 3E digitally controlled DC/DC converters.

Diameter Signaling Controller in next-generation signaling networks

The Diameter protocol is used widely in all-IP networks. Nearly everything that is connected to or is part of a network uses the protocol in some way. The number of signaling messages being sent is rising rapidly, which is putting pressure on all parts of the network – and particularly on gateways, charging systems, policy servers and user-data repositories. Deploying a Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) – a key network component – can relieve some of this pressure while boosting operational efficiency and increasing the reliability of the internal signaling network.

The purpose of a Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) is to facilitate the ever-increasing use of Diameter signal­ing in mobile networks, This key network component supports the scaling of Diameter-signaling networks, which will be significantly beneficial when the growth of mobile data and VoLTE traffic requires the deployment of multiple HSS, MME, PCRF, P-CSCF and PGW network elements.

The growth in sig­naling traffic is expected to reflect the growth in mobile data traffic – a tenfold increase between 2011 and 2016. From 2014, growth will be accentuated by the introduc­tion of VoLTE and the amount of signaling traffic will be further increased as the installed base of GSM/WCDMA packet-switching networks starts to transition from SS7 to Diameter.

The emergence of the Diameter protocol as a fundamental part of network signaling in the EPC and IMS has created the need for a signaling-controller network element that facil­itates configuration and increases the robustness of the network. This network element, the Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC), is mission-criti­cal and requires telecom-grade soft­ware and hardware.

SmarTone makes Ericsson its sole 4G LTE vendor in Hong Kong

SmarTone makes Ericsson its sole supplier tasked with preparing its end-to-end IP network for LTE
Includes multi-standard radio access network, Evolved Packet Core with Evolved Packet Gateway on the SSR 8000 Smart Services Router, and transport
Users to enjoy superior mobile broadband experience, high-performing networks, as well as advanced solutions and services
In a densely built-up city such as Hong Kong, an advanced mobile broadband network is required to deliver high-speed data services and an optimal user experience for subscribers. With this in mind, SmarTone, Hong Kong's leading mobile operator, has just announced the activation of its 4G LTE service. Thanks to Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERIC) efforts as sole end-to-end network supplier, SmarTone's users will enjoy even faster downloads and uploads when using mobile internet applications.

SmarTone's 4G LTE services is generally available to end users from September 11, 2012. The transition to 4G LTE will be smooth since Ericsson's multi-standard radio base stations support 2G/3G/LTE. Users will enjoy a superior mobile broadband experience thanks to high-performing networks, as well as advanced solutions and services.

 Douglas Li, CEO of SmarTone, says: "At SmarTone, we value innovation and creativity and we have made huge efforts in delivering an unbeatable customer experience on 4G. Together with Ericsson, we will be able to provide our customers with superior mobile broadband services and performance, based on a complete end-to-end LTE solution."

Mats H Olsson, Head of Region North East Asia, says: "I'm delighted with SmarTone's continued trust in us, as demonstrated by us becoming their sole supplier for 2G, 3G and LTE networks. We're happy to facilitate them do this by extending partnership and supporting SmarTone's launch of its territory-wide LTE network, including refarming of their 1800 MHz network. Users will benefit from an optimal LTE user experience."

Ericsson will be sole supplier of SmarTone's LTE network, including a multi-standard radio access network underpinned by RBS 6000 base stations, and Evolved Packet Core (EPC) using SSR 8000 Smart Services Routers as an Evolved Packet Gateway (EPG). The scope of the plan also includes network rollout, integration and support, deployment services, re-farming of the 1800MHz band and network management with Ericsson's Operation Support System for Radio & Core (OSS-RC).

Ericsson has now signed 87 LTE/EPC contracts in 37 countries on five continents. With this contract, Ericsson maintains its leading position in LTE and mobile broadband, currently providing coverage for 305 million of the 455 million global LTE populations.

NOTES TO EDITORS

LTE Media Kit www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/mediakits/lte

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers.

We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company's net sales were SEK 226.9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

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Azteca comunicaciones Colombia selects Ericsson's IP solution

Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia selects Ericsson as its partner for Colombia's national broadband initiative
Ericsson's 4th generation IP networking solution to support high-speed broadband services to more than 397 municipalities in Colombia
Deployment includes Ericsson's SSR 8000 family of Smart Services Routers, optical transport, and Wi-Fi access points
In a tender process completed in late 2011, Colombia's Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications awarded the National Fiber Optic Project, part of the "Plan Vive Digital" program, to Grupo Salinas. As a result, group company Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia is set to deploy the country's largest and most modern fiber optics networks.

To accomplish this goal, Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia has selected Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) as one of the network providers. Together, the two companies will deploy a suite of products to build out a 4th generation IP network infrastructure to deliver broadband services to more than 397 municipalities in Colombia. The broadband services will be delivered using Wi-Fi and point-to-multipoint wireless access.

Alexandra Reyes, CEO Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia says: "For Colombia, the 'information superhighway' is a fundamental tool to promote national advancement through the use of technology. Together with Ericsson, we will bring high-speed broadband to even the most remote regions of the country. We expect this to result in broad access to competitive services, increased employment and provide better welfare for the population."

Ericsson's 4th generation IP network solution for Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia includes the flagship SSR 8000 family of Smart Services Routers, deployed as core routers; SmartEdge Multi-Service Edge Routers; the SPO 1400 family of Packet Optical Transport Platforms (POTPs); and Ericsson Wi-Fi access points, controllers and management.

Jan Häglund, Head of IP and Broadband, Ericsson, says: "This contract is a major endorsement of our 4th generation IP network solution and marks the beginning of a new partnership between Ericsson and Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia. The solution will enable Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia to offer a rich suite of differentiated services and the scalability of the platforms will ensure the ability to meet future traffic and subscriber growth targets."

Ericsson has been present in Colombia for more than 116 years, supporting and enabling the introduction of the most advanced Ericsson technology in the country.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Media kit: 4th generation IP networks www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/mediakits/ip

In April this year, Ericsson acquired Canadian carrier-grade Wi-Fi vendor BelAir Networks and has integrated BelAir's industry-leading product portfolio into its heterogeneous network solutions: www.ericsson.com/news/1598985

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers.

We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company's net sales were SEK 226.9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

www.ericsson.com
www.twitter.com/ericssonpress
www.facebook.com/ericsson
www.youtube.com/ericssonpress

M1 enhances future network capacity with mobile backhaul solution

Ericsson becomes M1’s primary mobile backhaul provider, supplies the latest MINI-LINK TN microwave and SPO 1400 optical systems in Singapore
Network upgrade will meet users’ ever-increasing demand for more bandwidth and support M1’s LTE services
M1 to benefit from increased network capacity and operational flexibility
Singaporean communications provider M1 Limited (M1) has appointed Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to upgrade its mobile backhaul network to support the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth and LTE services, due in part to increased internet browsing, video streaming and downloading of apps on mobile devices.

Under this multi-year contract, Ericsson will become M1’s primary mobile backhaul provider; supplying the latest MINI-LINK TN microwave and SPO 1400 optical systems, including end-to-end management with Ericsson IP Transport NMS and ServiceOn Element Manager software.

Phase and time synchronization for LTE services will be supported. Deployment of the optical systems and other related services has commenced.

M1’s upgrade of its mobile backhaul network will provide an enhanced quality of experience for end users. Since mobile backhaul ensures IP connectivity all the way through the network, M1 will benefit from a significant increase in network capacity and greater operational flexibility.

Patrick Scodeller, Chief Technical Officer, M1 Limited, says: "This network upgrade is essential for us to meet the current and future needs of our end users. It allows us to support gigabit bandwidth connectivity while maintaining the highest quality of service."

Nicholas Seow, President of Ericsson Singapore and Brunei, says: "This upgrade will give M1 the scalability to provide the superior performance needed in today’s Networked Society, in which anytime, anywhere connectivity is key. It also presents a path to future high-bandwidth solutions. The use of Ericsson’s advanced platforms ensures that, when the time comes to introduce new services, the transition will be a smooth one."

Under the contract, Ericsson will upgrade M1’s existing TDM-based mobile backhaul network to a more efficient packet network using its Mobile Backhaul solution, with a MINI-LINK TN microwave system currently capable of delivering a capacity of 1Gbps. This upgrade will enable M1 to continue to provide cost-effective GSM and WCDMA services, in addition to future HSPA and LTE services.

Notes to editors

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers’ networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers.

We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company’s net sales were SEK 226.9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

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Ericsson video compression supports Associated Press migration to High Definition

AP content seen by over half world’s population daily
Flexible, future-proof solutions for first ever all HD global news service
Ericsson video compression solutions enable high quality news coverage
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has supplied The Associated Press (AP),with video acquisition and delivery solutions to enable AP to migrate its news operations to high definition. In the largest rollout of HD by any news agency globally, AP completed the transition to HD ahead of the 2012 London Olympics in July and the U.S presidential election in November.

AP is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP delivers world news, entertainment, SNTV (sport) and lifestyle video to broadcasters. Given the market demands of its viewers, who are increasingly moving to high definition, AP has responded by upgrading its infrastructure to HD.

To ensure AP maintained a competitive edge by delivering news content as quickly as possible, Ericsson has supplied its AVP 3000 Voyager DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) solution and RX8200 modular professional receiver. These enable AP to deliver the highest picture quality with rapid turnaround times. “Our customers expect us to be responsive to the way the news world is changing, which means reacting to the increase in demand for video news, providing it in better quality,” said David Hoad, AP director of global video technology. “In the case of HD, we have invested ahead of the market need, making it easier for broadcasters and digital publishers around the world to make the move to HD. Our existing relationship with Ericsson left us in no doubt that it had the newsgathering solutions we needed to meet AP’s needs and in the future.”

Ericsson’s AVP 3000 Voyager represents the most advanced DSNG unit on the market, equipped for the multiplatform, multiscreen world. The solution offers greater usability, flexibility and future-proofing compared to others available on the market. As well as enabling high-definition newsgathering, it offers AP the potential to repurpose the equipment for the news services of the future.

“TV viewers have become used to watching content in high definition, be it drama, sport or movies, and now expect that high quality to be matched across all programming, including news and current affairs,” said Dr. Giles Wilson, Head of TV Compression Business, Ericsson. “The Ericsson name is synonymous with leadership in the newsgathering and content distribution market. We are pleased to have enabled The Associated Press to be the first to make the important move towards all HD operations.”

Ericsson will demonstrate its market-leading portfolio of solutions for content acquisition, exchange and distribution at IBC 2012, Amsterdam, September 7-11, at its new stand, 1.D61.

Notes to editors

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers’ networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers.

We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company’s net sales were SEK 226.9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

www.ericsson.com
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Celebrating twenty years of compression excellence with CSI award at IBC 2012

AVP Platform scoops ‘Best Digital Video Processing Technology’ CSI Award
Provides multi-codec solution for 1080p50/60, 3D TV and even 4K TV.
Awards reflect Ericsson’s 20 year compression leadership
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has marked its 20 year compression heritage at IBC 2012 by adding a prestigious CSI award to its long history of success. Ericsson’s ground-breaking AVP Platform was named ‘Best Digital Video Processing Technology’ at the awards ceremony this weekend at IBC 2012 in Amsterdam.

Now in their tenth year, the CSI Awards are considered among the most prestigious and competitive technology awards, designed to reward technical and product marketing excellence in the cable, satellite, terrestrial broadcasting and IPTV sectors. They are judged independently by a panel of experts that includes practicing and former heads of engineering and operations from some of the world's most important network operators, well-respected consultants and senior industry analysts.

"Our award-winning solutions are making content readily available, at the highest possible quality, on multiple platforms and on all screens. In a landmark year for the Ericsson compression team, we’re delighted that our video processing platform has been recognised as best-in-class – further reflection of our continued dedication to building an industry-leading portfolio that meets the real needs of operators today," said Dr. Giles Wilson, Head of TV Compression Business, Ericsson.

The Ericsson AVP Family of products is based around a single, modular and powerful platform capable of delivering unmatched flexibility, usability and future-proof. It is the only platform in the market to support multiple codecs and multiple interfaces out of the same chassis and provides the only realistic path to capture and exchange future services in 1080p50/60, 3D TV and even 4K TV.

Notes to editors

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers’ networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers.

We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company’s net sales were SEK 226.9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

www.ericsson.com
www.twitter.com/ericssonpress
www.facebook.com/ericsson
www.youtube.com/ericssonpress

Ericsson named top microwave vendor by operators in Infonetics survey

Ericsson is the vendor rated highest by operators in 8 out of 10 criteria in Infonetics’ 2012 microwave survey
Respondents perceive Ericsson as the market leader in terms of technology, positioning, and execution
Microwave links will continue to be widely deployed since maximizing capacity and flexibility are key capabilities. Growth is increasingly driven by small cells
Ericsson is the vendor rated highest by operators in 8 out of 10 of the criteria market research firm Infonetics Research asked about in its independent 2012 microwave survey, "Microwave Strategies and Vendor Leadership: Global Service Provider Survey," which explores operator deployment plans and perceptions of microwave equipment suppliers.

Infonetics Research is an international market research and consulting firm. The ranking is based on interviews of purchasing decision-makers for microwave equipment at 25 wireless operators in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Asia Pacific, CALA (Caribbean and Latin America), and North America.

Richard Webb, directing analyst for microwave, mobile offload, and mobile broadband devices at Infonetics Research, says: "For vendors, strategy has become an increasingly slippery slope they have to grapple with going in with strong technology at a higher-than-average price, or with lower-priced (but potentially lower-rated) technology, or running the risk of being solid but indistinct across the board. Getting it right is a moving target that currently Ericsson hits on bull’s eye.

"Our respondents perceive Ericsson as the market leader in terms of technology, positioning, and execution," Webb says.

Respondents place Ericsson clearly ahead in most criteria, giving top ratings in terms of perception of market leadership and the highest ranking in: technology, product roadmap, security, management software, financial stability, service/support, total cost of ownership, and product reliability.

Ola Gustafsson, head of Microwave and Mobile Backhaul at Ericsson says: "We are pleased by this strong vote of confidence from operators. As our end-to-end portfolio moves operators into the coming all-IP world, we are committed to continuing to deliver microwave solutions that equip high-performance networks while making the most out of operator spectrum."

Ericsson received good ratings in the survey both from operators with Ericsson microwave equipment and respondents that have not deployed Ericsson microwave solutions. According to Infonetics, most respondents in the survey are prolific users of microwave.

Going forward, the report indicates that operators will continue to need microwave links even as fiber to the cell site becomes more widely deployed. It further states that small cell deployments will be one of the forces driving growth in microwave links. One projection the report makes is that all-outdoor microwave backhaul systems will become increasingly popular for small cell backhaul because of their zero-footprint design. Ericsson delivers the highest rated purchase criteria in packet-based microwave features (labeled as Ethernet in the report).

Notes to editors

About the survey

For its 38-page Microwave Strategies survey, Infonetics interviewed purchase decision-makers for microwave equipment at 25 independent wireless, incumbent, and competitive operators in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Asia Pacific, CALA (Caribbean and Latin America), and North America. The report explores operator plans for deploying microwave equipment and features a vendor scorecard with service provider ratings of 12 microwave manufacturers (Alcatel-Lucent, Aviat Networks, Ceragon, DragonWave, ECI Telecom, Ericsson, Huawei, Intracom, NEC, Nokia Siemens Networks, SIAE, ZTE). To buy the survey, contact Infonetics Research.

Ericsson to manage HBO Nordic's playout services

Ericsson expands its Broadcast Services business to bring HBO's TV services to the Nordic countries
Five-year contract to manage playout and media management services
Agreement contributes to Ericsson's ambition to become the leading broadcast service provider globally
Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has signed a five-year contract with Urho Digital Services Oy (UDS) to manage the playout and media management services for HBO Nordic's TV content. HBO Nordic, the recently announced joint venture between Time Warner HBO and Persifal International, will bring an HBO TV channel to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.

Peter Ekelund, Chairman of UDS and the partner with HBO Inc for HBO Nordic, says: "This strategic partnership allows HBO Nordic to bring new, innovative television services to the Nordic countries. We look forward to working with Ericsson, the number one independent playout service provider in the Nordic region. We aim to deliver high-quality TV content with Ericsson as a strong partner."

Valter D'Avino, Head of Managed Services at Ericsson, says: "This partnership is proof of Ericsson's ability to facilitate the convergence of telecom, the internet and media. Teaming up with a trusted partner enables broadcasters to overcome the complex challenges and fierce competition that exist in the rapidly changing TV market. Broadcasters have to adapt to the fundamental changes that have resulted from the launch of on-demand and multi-platform television services, and can benefit from our broadcast services capability and competence."

Top-quality content is still king in the convergence of TV and web, but the technical distribution plays a very important role. In addition, Ericsson can manage any media content for any type of distribution channel, regardless of whether it is linear broadcast or streaming video on-demand to a browser.

Ericsson has the industry's most comprehensive managed services offering. It ranges from designing, building, operating and managing day-to-day operations of a customer's network, including end-user services and business-support systems, to hosting service-layer solutions and providing network coverage and capacity on demand, as well as broadcast services. As the undisputed leader in managed services, Ericsson has officially announced more than 100 contracts for managed services with telecom operators worldwide since 2002. In all current managed services contracts, Ericsson is managing networks that together serve more than 900 million subscribers worldwide.

Since 2007, Ericsson has managed playout services in the Nordic region for Canal+, now C more Entertainment AB, which was acquired by TV4 group in 2008. In 2009, Ericsson announced that it operates the playout services of the TV4 Group in Sweden. In 2012, Ericsson acquired Technicolor's Broadcast Services division, a worldwide technology leader in the media and entertainment sector. The acquisition brought approximately 900 highly skilled professionals and playout operations located in France, UK and the Netherlands serving several leading broadcasters.

NOTES TO EDITORS

In April this year, Ericsson acquired Technicolor's broadcast division and has integrated Technicolor's broadcast services portfolio into its solutions:www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/releases/2012/07/1623638


About UDS

UDS provides solutions to bring personal TV and PayTV to multi screen devices. UDS white label service is based on the Urho Play platform that already has over 150,000 active users in Finland. UDS is the exclusive OTT (Over-The-Top) service provider for HBO Nordic.

About HBO Nordic

HBO Nordic will offer day and date first showing of all of HBO and other premium TV Series producers acclaimed programs. In addition the service will include a substantial SVOD library and the latest DVD movie releases. HBO Nordic will be available on every device and through leading Nordic operators as well as through the UDS provided platform. HBO Nordic is a joint venture between HBO Inc. and Parsifal International.

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Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers.

We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company's net sales were SEK 226.9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

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