Ericsson on-line with tailored extranet service for GSM network operators

Ericsson on-line with tailored extranet service for GSM network operators Ericsson GSM Systems is transforming the way the business unit interacts with its customers, the operators of its GSM networks around the world. With its customer-tailored extranets, Ericsson and the network operators may now enjoy the benefits of a full-fledged e-commerce relationship, conducting business on the net. The extranet service is part of an overall Ericsson push in the field of e- business. It is a global strategy aimed at providing network operators with the important information they need, tailored individually to them, in an especially timely and efficient way. The extranet is already in use at several operators. The offering is being made available in different packages, beginning with a "base starter package." Further features and extensions to the current release will be made available in the coming few months. Delivery of an extranet is very simple and can be done remotely within days. "At Ericsson, we are fully leveraging the capabilities of the Internet and e- commerce technologies in all aspects of our business," stated Göran Berntson, Vice President Business development at Ericsson. "GSM Systems business unit is one of those leading the way with their use of innovative extranet techniques with their customers. This effort truly reflects our corporate motto of 'simplifying communications for our customers the world over'." The web-based service allows the network operators to go on-line for direct access to marketing and product information, to place and track orders for hardware and software products, and to have easy access to large amounts of documentation such as operator manuals and information on new system introductions. "This represents a significant strategic investment for us," says Kurt Sillén, Manager, E-business, Ericsson GSM Systems. "Our aim is to excel in giving our customers top quality service at all times and build a strong, long-term relationship with them." GSM is the world's most widely deployed wireless communications standard. Ericsson is the global market leader in GSM, with close to half of the world's 200 million GSM subscribers connected by Ericsson systems. More than 125 operators in 70 countries around the world rely on GSM systems from Ericsson. Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 9261; E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se Anna-Carin Leth Amrén, Marketing Manager, GSM Extranet Solutions Ericsson Radio Systems Phone: +46 70 651 5193; E-mail: anna-carin.amren@ese.ericsson.se Extranet facts An extranet is an extension of a company's intranet out onto the Internet to allow, for example, selected customers, suppliers and mobile workers to access the company's private data and applications via the World Wide Web. Generally an extranet implies real-time access through a firewall of some kind. An extranet is a hybrid of Internet and an Intranet, in that it restricts access to information, but it extends beyond the protection of the firewall to allow customers, suppliers and/or partners to work more closely with a company. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/17/19990917BIT00430/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/17/19990917BIT00430/bit0002.pdf