Managed Services
Vi business partners with Fortinet to launch managed security services for enterprise
NEW DELHI: Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VIL), has announced the launch of Managed Security Service and has collaborated with Fortinet, a global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, as the technology cornerstone for the offering.
Vodafone Idea’s Managed Security Service (MSS) delivers Next Generation Firewalls with advanced security features offering the first line of defense for any cyber-attack, thus ensuring that enterprise network is protected. MSS will provide the power that today’s networks require, built on Fortinet’s innovative security processing units (SPUs) and FortiOS operating system. The MSS includes both network-based firewalling with intrusion protection detection features and secure remote user access to enable remote workers to connect to their corporate network safely and securely through a VPN.
This security-driven networking approach powered by Fortinet enables organisations to scale their network infrastructures without compromising security, which provides effective protection for today’s environments. By delivering the industry’s highest performance, best of breed security, the service will enable the most demanding digital innovation as well as meet the vast capacity and performance demands of critical business operations, both now as well as a future-proof investment.
In addition, the deployment is simplified as customers can leverage the security features of the Fortinet FortiGate next-generation firewalls and is offered on an “as-a service” model. This is vital to enterprises since they can focus on their business while trusting Vi business to deliver and manage their network security.
Commenting on the launch, Anil Philip, EVP- Products, Solutions and Partnerships, Vodafone Idea said, “Vi Business is a trusted connectivity partner for the enterprise. Acknowledging this confidence, we are proud to extend support with infrastructure security services that are closely associated with connectivity requirements. Our partnership with Fortinet will enable us to provide secure connectivity to our enterprise customers to address their need of managed and safe security solutions.”
Rajesh Maurya, Regional Vice President, India & SAARC, Fortinet added “The sophistication of today’s threat landscape, coupled with the speed at which user traffic is increasing, requires organizations adopt advanced protection. With our integrated security platform, MSSPs and telecom service providers, such as Vodafone Idea, benefit from high-performance technology and an easy to manage security solution that provides comprehensive protection for the extended enterprise.”
MSS is offered ‘as a service’ and provides OPEX based pricing, thereby eliminating the need for upfront investment by the customer. It provides the flexibility to choose products and services as per the needs. Enterprise customers also get access to an online experience portal showcasing an analytical and detailed view on the security posture and threat analytics in their network.
NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel has renewed its agreement with Ericsson to provide pan-India managed network operations through Ericsson Operations Engine.
The three-year deal will see Airtel launching Ericsson Operation Engine during 2020. Ericsson will deploy the latest automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance Airtel’s mobile network performance and customer experience. Ericsson will also manage Airtel’s network operations center and field maintenance activities across India.
Ericsson will also provide Network Optimization Services, combining multi-vendor networks expertise with its state-of-the-art machine learning/AI-enabled Cognitive Software Suite. This will deliver a better customer experience and ensure a superior return from Airtel’s deployed network assets.
The agreement builds on the 25-year collaboration between Ericsson and Airtel in India and will use Ericsson’s global capabilities in AI-based data-driven automated technology upgrades to boost Airtel’s network performance and operational efficiency.
Randeep Sekhon, Chief Technology Officer, Bharti Airtel, says: “We are pleased to strengthen our deep partnership with Ericsson as part of our vision to build a future ready network that enables world-class experience for our customers. We are confident these new technologies will enable us to serve the emerging data requirements of customers in a digitally connected India.”
Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of Ericsson South east Asia, Oceania and India, says: “Ericsson Operations Engine consolidates our position as the industry leader in network managed services. With more than 300 global contracts, Ericsson has proven capabilities in managing and operating multi-vendor and multi-technology networks. This agreement demonstrates the continued confidence in our products and end-to-end solutions in Bharti Airtel’s network and IT operations. We will continue to develop data-driven insights to deliver enhanced performance focused on end-user experience.”
Airtel and Ericsson’s long-standing technology and services partnership has spanned 2G, 3G, 4G provision and more recently, live 5G trials.
