Dell Technologies and Ericsson Form Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Telecom Network Cloud Transformation

Dell Technologies  announce a strategic partnership to combine their deep industry expertise with telecom software, solutions and support, to guide communications service providers (CSPs) through their radio access network (RAN) cloud transformation journeys.

CSPs are looking to network cloud and operations transformation to achieve improved economics and agility, while maintaining network reliability. According to a new MeriTalk study released today, sponsored by Dell Technologies, nine in 10 CSPs say network transformation is critical to their organization’s survival. However, 96 percent of CSPs surveyed say their network transformation vision is lagging due to a variety of factors including limited time and budget, as well as reliability and security concerns, ultimately holding them back from giving their customers a modern network.1

Dell and Ericsson’s partnership aims to address these concerns by working alongside CSPs to develop simple and reliable Open RAN-based network cloud transformation strategies, using Dell and Ericsson integrated solutions and support.

“Communications service providers have a crucial window of opportunity to lay the foundation for network cloud transformation and drive business growth,” says Dennis Hoffman, senior vice president and general manager, Telecom Systems Business, Dell Technologies. “Our collaboration with Ericsson, combined with our decades of digital transformation expertise, will provide network operators the full plan and technologies they need to accelerate their network and operation transformations to positively impact the trajectory of their businesses.”

“Working closer with Dell Technologies will help further develop cloud-native programmable networks that bring new ideas and practices to the telecom market,” says Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks, Ericsson. “Building upon years of collaboration, this strategic partnership will strengthen our cloudification efforts as we gear up to launch Open RAN-based commercial solutions. The cloud-native network will enable frequent updates and the rollout of new features using continuous deployment. It will ease the adoption of Cloud RAN technologies and prepare both companies’ portfolios for new markets.”

Through the new agreement, Dell and Ericsson will:

  • Collaborate to develop tailored network cloud transformation plans and advise CSPs on network architectures and operating models, while also reducing the risks associated with deploying on open, multi-vendor environments. Dell and Ericsson plan to co-create solutions that drive energy efficiencies and innovate on Cloud RAN infrastructure operations.
  • Commercially introduce Ericsson Cloud RAN software on Dell PowerEdge servers. The solution will offer continuous integration testing and lifecycle management to speed deployment and de-risk day-2 operations around updates and upgrades, with Dell as a solution partner.
  • Co-develop services that simplify the entire deployment process from factory validation to installation and ongoing operational management, backed by Dell and Ericsson’s joint support for any integrated solution.

“To accelerate cloud-based open networks, the telecom industry needs vendors to come together to develop solutions that deliver more growth opportunities with minimal risk,” says Chris Sambar, Head of Network, AT&T. “We look forward to the continued innovation and collaboration as we continue our Open RAN journey.”

In 2023, Ericsson and Dell Technologies began a collaboration to develop Cloud RAN solutions, leveraging Ericsson Cloud RAN software and RAN equipment paired with Dell Technologies infrastructure, with the common goal of broadening the ecosystem and bringing more flexibility to customers.

Ericsson is participating in the Network X Americas event in Irving, Texas, with keynote speeches by Dr. Sibel Tombaz, Head of Product Line Cloud and Purpose-built 5G RAN and Paul Challoner, CTO at Global Customer Unit AT&T.

Together with other Ericsson representatives they are at the event to share insights on the latest progress in the Cloud RAN and Open RAN market and how Ericsson is working with key partners and customers to drive the Open RAN industry forward. Discussion topics include the evolution of wireless networks, defining key performance indicators for sustainable growth into future networks, Open RAN industrialization, and more.

Hitachi and Google Cloud Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Innovation and Productivity with Generative AI

Hitachi, Ltd. and Google Cloud today announced a multi-year partnership to accelerate enterprise innovation and productivity with generative AI. Hitachi will form a new business unit focused on helping businesses solve industry challenges with Gemini models, Vertex AI, and other cloud technologies, and it will also adopt Google Cloud’s AI to enhance its own products and services. Through the partnership, Hitachi will further accelerate growth of Lumada, its core digital business, and it will advance operational efficiencies for the Hitachi Group.

Led by GlobalLogic, a leader in digital engineering and a subsidiary of the Hitachi Group, the companies will establish the Hitachi Google Cloud Business Unit and the Google Cloud Center of Excellence (CoE) to rapidly scale Google Cloud technology to new and existing enterprise customers. Additionally, Hitachi will collaborate with Google Cloud to incorporate training on Google Cloud’s GenAI as part of Hitachi’s GenAI Professional training program. The program will deepen the expertise and managed services available through these business units, which will ensure large-scale organizations have access to the resources needed to fundamentally improve how they operate with AI.

Additional focus areas of the partnership will include:

  • New GenAI solutions for software modernization and customer service: Hitachi will use Gemini models to build solutions that help businesses efficiently modernize legacy software systems, and it will adopt Google Cloud Contact Center AIto power more effective and accurate customer service experiences. For instance, using Google Cloud Agent Assist, customer service representatives can be supported with real-time knowledge assistance and resolution suggestions to help them be more productive and provide better service. The new solutions will be compatible with GlobalLogic’s Platform of Platforms architecture, which is designed to address the needs of intelligent enterprises.
  • Enabling safe, secure GenAI solutions for on-premises and cloud environments: Hitachi’s new solutions will support customers running both on-premises and in the cloud, enabling enterprises to modernize operations while retaining existing IT environments. The solutions will also be compatible with Virtual Storage Platform One,so that users can build GenAI applications using data stored on Hitachi Vantara’s hybrid cloud platform.
  • Joint go-to-market initiatives: Hitachi and Google Cloud will better align their sales, marketing, and engineering teams to ensure that customers across industries have access to the resources needed to optimally deploy and manage GenAI projects through Hitachi Google Cloud Business Unit and Google Cloud CoE. This will include the GenAI Professionals that Hitachi trains on Google Cloud technology.
  • Strengthen GenAI talent development: Hitachi’s GenAI Professionals play a critical role in supporting customers’ transformation with AI, and Hitachi will train more than 50,000 GenAI Professionals through its global training program, As part of the program,  Hitachi will include      training on Google Cloud’s G     en     AI solutions and AI technology.

GlobalLogic and Google Cloud have collaborated for more than 15 years and helped empower enterprises with solutions that achieve their business objectives with efficiency and scale.

“Through this partnership, Hitachi will leverage Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to improve and enhance employee productivity and accelerate innovation. By augmenting the capabilities of our developers and customer success units with Google Cloud GenAI solutions, such as Vertex AI and Gemini models, Hitachi will be able to better serve the needs of its customers in diverse industries and across complex domains such as energy, mobility, manufacturing and digital services,” said Toshiaki Tokunaga, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer at Hitachi.

Nitesh Banga, CEO, Digital Engineering Business Unit, Hitachi, and President & CEO, GlobalLogic, added: “Through this global alliance, Hitachi is strategically aligning its go-to-market approach together with Google Cloud to drive tangible results. We are establishing clear pathways for collaboration, ensuring enhanced efficiency and acceleration in delivering solutions to our collective clients. This investment in building our Google Cloud Business Unit will provide the necessary energy, focus, and cohesive teamwork essential for achieving the desired accelerated time-to-market, translating innovation into swift revenue growth.”

“To solve complex business challenges with generative AI, enterprises need advanced technology and the technical expertise to successfully deploy it throughout their organizations,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “Our partnership with Hitachi will provide customers with the resources needed to optimally build, implement, and manage every stage of their generative AI projects.”

Ferrari and HP Announce A Title Partnership

Today, Ferrari and HP Inc. announced a historic, multi-year title partnership. Connecting two of the world’s most iconic companies, the partnership features a shared commitment to advance sustainable innovation and accelerate purposeful technology across the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team, the Scuderia Ferrari Esports team, and the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy.

In addition, the HP logo will make its debut on the Maranello F1 cars ahead of Miami Grand Prix scheduled for May 3-5, when the team will start competing as Scuderia Ferrari HP. The Scuderia Ferrari Esports team and the Scuderia Ferrari car driven by Maya Weug in the all-female F1 Academy series, launched in 2023, will also race using the new moniker.

Uniting heritage and purpose for bigger impact

HP and Ferrari are committed to accelerate sustainable innovation whether through technology or sport. The companies will also work together to expand educational initiatives within their teams and communities, and create a lasting impact for generations to come.

Powering the teams through technology

As part of the partnership, the integration of HP’s high-performance products and services, including adaptive PCs and devices, conferencing technology, and printing capabilities, will enable Scuderia Ferrari HP and the other racing teams of the Prancing Horse to turbo charge training precision and optimize strategic decision-making, on and off the track.

Debut at Miami Grand Prix

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, representatives from both organisations will be present for the reveal of the Scuderia Ferrari HP livery, which will debut in a unique edition specifically designed for Miami. Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna, Scuderia Ferrari HP’s Team Principal Fred Vasseur, the team’s drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and HP CEO, Enrique Lores will be in attendance.

“Our founder passed on to us his continuous will to progress. From this stems our drive to innovate on the road and on the track, as well as our commitment to a sustainable future, from carbon neutrality to the education of the younger generation,” said Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari. “In HP we have found the same values, which make it an ideal partner. We look forward to starting our collaboration and facing new opportunities and challenges together.”

“With technology, performance and exceptional craftsmanship fuelling the future, the partnership between HP and Ferrari is a natural fit,” said Enrique Lores, CEO of HP Inc. “Both brands are built on rich histories that have endured the test of time. Through this unique collaboration, we also have an opportunity to reach new audiences, drive business growth, and create lasting impact for our shared clients and communities. Together we will leverage the global stage of racing to accelerate sustainable innovation.”

Dell Technologies and CrowdStrike Expand Partnership Delivering Comprehensive Managed Detection and Response

Dell Technologies  and CrowdStrike (Nasdaq: CRWD) announced an expanded strategic partnership to deliver Dell’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services with the industry-leading AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon® XDR platform, helping customers defend against increasingly complex cyberattacks.

According to the 2024 CrowdStrike Global Threat Report, cyber-attacks are faster, more sophisticated and stealthier than ever. At the same time, organizations are forced to do more with less as the cybersecurity skills gap grows. To protect against modern threats, customers need a holistic, intuitive managed security solution that reduces complexity and serves as a force multiplier for existing security and IT teams. The powerful combination of Dell’s global security operations experts and proactive threat hunting capabilities with the industry-leading Falcon platform delivers the security customers need across multi-cloud and multi-vendor environments.

“Working with industry leaders like CrowdStrike is critical to delivering choice and flexibility to customers in a very fragmented and complex security landscape,” said Mihir Maniar, VP of infrastructure, edge and security services portfolio, Dell Technologies. “Customers need scalable, outcome-based security solutions to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. The combination of MDR and the CrowdStrike platform empowers customers to exponentially reduce threat exposures, detect and respond to incidents, and recover applications and systems.”

“The Falcon platform has quickly become the market’s cybersecurity platform of record. By expanding our strategic alliance with Dell to power their MDR services, we’re gaining access to more customers to bring them industry leading protection,” said Daniel Bernard, chief business officer, CrowdStrike. “Together with Dell, we see a significant opportunity to give all customers – from large enterprises to mid-market organizations and SMBs – the best security outcomes: stopping the breach, consolidating point products and driving down costs.”

Dell Managed Detection and Response is now available for global customers with the CrowdStrike Falcon XDR Platform as a direct solution and through channel partners.

Swoop and Sage unveil global partnership

Swoop, a fintech company specialising in funding solutions and Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology, are excited to announce their global partnership aimed at helping businesses and accountants access a wide range of funding opportunities. Navigating the complex landscape of funding opportunities can be daunting for businesses. The partnership aims to bridge this gap by providing a user-friendly platform that connects businesses and accountants with the financial resources they require.

In addition, the partnership will help businesses to identify opportunities to reduce costs in areas such as energy, banking and foreign exchange, providing a significant impact on the bottom line.

By integrating their Sage accounting software once, businesses can identify more accurate funding opportunities, streamline the funding process, unlock business savings, and benefit from tools such as cash flow forecasting.

Businesses often face challenges in securing the financial capital they need to grow and thrive. Research conducted by the Sage Foundation has highlighted that the lack of financial resources remains one of the most significant obstacles businesses encounter on their journey to success.

Recognising the importance of overcoming this challenge, Swoop and Sage have joined forces to simplify and expedite the process of accessing vital funding for businesses and their advisors. This innovative partnership will enable advisors and businesses worldwide to effortlessly explore and tap into various funding options that suit their unique needs.

The global partnership brings a wide range of funding opportunities for businesses, including grants, loans, and equity investments, whilst streamlining the application and approval process. Trusted advisors, such as accountants and financial professionals, will also benefit from this partnership, gaining the tools and resources to guide their clients effectively through their funding journeys.

Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Sage to bring our funding expertise to businesses and advisors worldwide. Together, we will simplify the path to financial empowerment for businesses of all sizes.”

“In a world full of fluctuations, with inflation and interest rates on the rise, businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, so it is important to make business finance more accessible and less daunting,” said Chip Mahan, Global Commercial Head, Fintech, Payments & Banking at Sage. “This partnership with Swoop aligns perfectly with our mission and will make accessing essential financial capital quick and easy, ensuring businesses have the support they need to succeed.”

Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ireland, said: “I am delighted to acknowledge both Swoop and Sage in the development of an effective funding platform for the small and medium enterprise sector. The innovative combination of the advanced technology platform of Swoop combined with Sage’s globally recognised cloud-based accounting software will provide great assistance to company leaders as they look to funding options.”

Paul O’Riordan, VP Partners, Ireland, Sage, said: “We’re excited about this partnership as we know from our research that access to finance is one of the biggest hurdles businesses currently face, yet it is crucial to any future economic recovery in Ireland. Businesses that can access finance have a bigger range of opportunities facing them to grow than those that don’t. I’m excited to see Irish businesses grab this opportunity with both hands and use it to reach their full potential.”

The partnership marks a significant step towards levelling the playing field for businesses and underscores their importance in driving global economic growth. With this collaboration, the future looks brighter for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide.

HCS to increase revenues by €2.5 million through Fortinet partnership

HCS, a leading IT services, cybersecurity and digital transformation company, is today announcing that it expects to increase revenues by €2.5 million in the next two years through its enhanced partnership with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions and services. HCS has been awarded Expert level partnership with Fortinet, one of only a handful of Irish companies to achieve this status.

HCS was recognised as its Fortinet team has achieved the highest level of technical certification and has a proven track record in delivering innovative Fortinet security solutions to customers through professional and managed services. To support the expected growth in demand for these services, HCS will create 15 jobs across its security managed and professional services teams.

As a Fortinet Expert partner, HCS will provide specialist managed offerings to customers across cloud security, network security, firewalls, security fabric, Zero Trust network access, and SD-WAN. The company expects to see the biggest growth in SOCaaS (security operations centre as-a-service) and SASE (secure access service edge) over the next 12 months. The enhanced Fortinet partnership will enable HCS to add endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to its managed services portfolio.

The partnership is also enabling HCS to expand its customer base into the financial and government sectors. Customers will have increased access to cybersecurity skills and resources, enabling them to maximise their business performance.

Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS: “We are delighted to have achieved Expert level partnership with Fortinet. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and a strong validation of our Fortinet offering. It cements our position in the security solutions and services marketplace and will enable us to provide an enhanced offering to our customers.

“We build security into every solution we manage. Customers’ security needs are evolving and implementations based on standards such as the Public Sector Cybersecurity Baseline Standards and those required by cybersecurity insurance companies are gathering pace. We look forward to working with both new and existing customers to build out their security architectures and further developing our strong relationship with Fortinet.”

Paul Donegan, Country Manager Ireland, Fortinet: “We are thrilled to name HCS as a Fortinet Expert partner. The team has a depth of expertise in cybersecurity and providing innovative and transformative Fortinet security solutions to customers. With this achievement HCS now join a select number of Irish companies to have reached this partnership level which cements their position and recognises the ongoing commitment and investment across the business. We are excited to continue to work closely with HCS and build on our valued partnership.”

EA SPORTS FC Announces Ballon d’Or Partnership

EA SPORTS FC announces that it’s bringing the Ballon d’Or™ to EA SPORTS FC™ 24. Players will be able to receive the famous trophy in EA SPORTS FC 24 Player Career.

Every player dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or™. Since 1956, every year France Football has awarded the Ballon d’Or™ to the best male and female football player of the season.

Universally regarded as football’s most prestigious and valuable individual award, the iconic trophy was on display in Amsterdam during EA SPORTS FC Livestream Event on July 13 with former recipients Luis Figo and Ronaldinho in attendance.

New features in both Player and Manager Career in EA SPORTS FC™ 24 will help players control their footballing destiny even further. Achieving an incredible individual season in Player Career will activate the newly designed Ballon d’Or™ animation*.

David Jackson, VP of Brand, EA SPORTS FC, said: “We’re delighted to bring the prestigious Ballon d’Or into EA SPORTS FC. Including these iconic trophies in-game furthers our efforts to provide players with the most authentic and inspiring football experiences possible.”

Kevin Benharrats, CEO of Amaury Media, comments: “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with EA marketing teams. We are proud of this new partnership for the Ballon d’Or, we hope it will contribute to EA SPORTS FC success.”

EA SPORTS FC™ 24 will be available to play on September 29, 2023 with early access through the Ultimate Edition available as of September 22, 2023. Pre-orders** are now available for EA SPORTS FC™ 24 which will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Fans that pre-order the Ultimate Edition by August 22nd will receive a number of player benefits, including an untradeable UEFA Champions League Ultimate Team™ Hero item in November.

EA Play members will receive early access to the game with a 10-hour trial beginning on September 22. EA Play Pro members will enjoy unlimited access to the EA Play Pro Edition of the game – including Ultimate edition content – starting September 22. Lastly, all EA Play members will unlock additional bonuses for EA SPORTS FC™ 24, with monthly Draft Tokens in Ultimate Team™, seasonal Clubs Rewards, and seasonal VOLTA FOOTBALL™ APPAREL & COINS.

As well as officially announcing that the Ballon D’or will be coming to FC 24 today, EA also go live with the Career Mode Deep Dive.

Three Ireland announces partnership with Revolut

Three, Ireland’s largest mobile telecommunications provider, has today announced a partnership with Revolut, the popular digital banking app. The collaboration will provide significant savings and added value for Three customers shopping on three.ie.

From today, Revolut customers will be rewarded 3% cash back on each purchase on three.ie when they start their journey from Revolut Shops and use their Revolut card at checkout.

Cashback is rewarded on devices, broadband, and lifestyle & accessory products on three.ie. Revolut customers who switch to Three using their Revolut card can avail of offers including the iPhone 14 for €99 on a €60 plan, for the month of July.

For more information about the partnership and savings available, visit 3.ie/Revolut.

GreenTechHQ announces AIB partnership

AIB and GreenTechHQ Global Sustainabiity and Innovation Hub have announced their official partnership which will enable GreenTechHQ to further support businesses with a sustainable focus and solutions in the South East. Established in Enniscorthy in the heart of the South East region, GreenTechHQ is a world-class innovation ecosystem for companies and ecopreneurs focused on developing solutions to help climate change. As Ireland’s largest financial services provider with 3.2 million customers, AIB seeks to be a driving force for the sustainability agenda in Ireland, supporting customers and communities to make the transition to a low carbon economy.

The partnership will help GreenTechHQ support hundreds of businesses with collaborative workspaces, events, programs, investment, mentoring and support services in thought leadership, communication, innovation, training, incubation and pilot projects.

CEO, GreenTechHQ, Rita Martin said “our aim is for GreenTechHQ to be recognised as a world-class ecosystem for companies and communities who want access to a leading-edge knowledge eco system, global connections and product solutions support, to make a genuine impact in addressing climate change. We want to rapidly increase access to inspiring, affordable, and relevant sustainability training for businesses and are delighted that our partnership with AIB will provide us with support to do that as we seek to help businesses transition to a low carbon economy.”

AIB’s Head of Business Banking, Pat Horgan said “as Ireland’s biggest bank, we continue to play our part as a sustainability leader to ensure a greener tomorrow by backing those building it today. Supporting our customers to lower their carbon footprint is a key priority for AIB and our partnership with the GreenTechHQ sustainability and innovation hub will help to support businesses that are directly focused on tackling climate change.”

On Thursday evening, as part of an event held in GreenTechHQ Hub, TASC presented its report on the People’s Transition for Enniscorthy. Supported by AIB, the People’s Transition project is a community-driven programme which views climate action as an enabler for local development. Enniscorthy is the first community in the country that TASC has been working with as part of this 3-year community development initiative.