US based telecommunications networking equipment supplier Ciena has signed a strategic agreement with Swedish communications technology provider Ericsson for development of IP-optical convergence, SDN collaboration framework as well as packet-optical distribution.
Under the agreement Ciena and Ericsson will speed up the availability of open, programmable, software-defined networks as well as leverage each other’s expertise to jointly develop and co-market SDN technology.
As part of the deal, product integration is underway, under which Ericsson will offer Ciena’s Converged Packet Optical portfolio, including the 6500 Packet-Optical Platform and 5400 family.
Ericsson will also brings to Ciena its strategic relationships with global service providers, its strength in wireless infrastructure and evolved packet-core solutions, and a professional services organisation, while benefiting from Ciena’s packet-optical expertise.
Ciena president and CEO Gary Smith said that the 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," Smith said.
Ericsson executive vice president and head of Business Unit Networks Johan Wibergh said 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.
"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," Wibergh said.
Ericsson vice president and head of Product Area IP & Broadband Jan Häglund said the strategic agreement combines Ciena’s and Ericsson’s strengths in the development of an open SDN network for converged IP and Optical transport.
"The re-seller agreement will allow Ericsson to complement our 4th Generation IP portfolio with Ciena’s industry-leading packet-optical products. This will create an even stronger offering to our customers," Häglund said.
