Nokia product launches focus on digital transformation for the enterprise
Cellular connectivity is essential for an always-on enterprise whether it’s supporting a global sales team or internet of things-type deployments in a smart factory. As operators look to better support enterprises, private networks built on unlicensed or shared spectrum are seen as a key piece of the puzzle.
Ahead of Mobile World Congress Americas next week, Nokia has updated a number of its products and services with a strong enterprise focus including:
- Small cells that support shared CBRS spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band for the U.S. market;
- A virtual multi-access edge computing solution that runs on off-the-shelf IT infrastructure;
- Updated outdoor Wi-FI access points;
- A multi-access cloud-based packet core with an integrated hybrid access gateway.
To put that all together, picture a remote mining location. A private network deployed in the 3.5 GHz band would provide cellular connectivity to people and machines. An edge compute solution would quickly process data and save on transfer costs. Wi-Fi serves as a fallback, and as a medium for non-critical communications. And a cloud-based packet core could integrate a private network with fixed and satellite systems.
“Enterprises today need a higher degree of flexibility to leverage private wireless networks to meet their specific service needs,” Senza Fili Principal Monica Paolini said. “With these new solutions, Nokia addresses these needs and offers a choice for businesses to integrate licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum to support the various latency and quality demands of all their applications.”
In terms of sales and field services, Nokia Vice President of Portfolio Marketing Phil Twist said in an interview with RCR Wireless News the vendor is focused on supporting operator efforts to enable enterprise digital transformation rather than selling directly to enterprises.
