Ericsson opens new ICT consultancy firm

Swedish telecommunications firm Ericsson has created a new professional and consultancy services company in the country which will target the local information and communications technology (ICT) industry.

Ericsson Services Philippines, which was created to address the growing needs of the local telecom and IT services sector, was formally launched yesterday to Philippine media by its president and chief executive officer Robert Etteborn.

According to Etteborn, the new firm would basically address the two biggest problems facing the industry. These are: keeping up with the fast-paced knowledge development and continuing competence in the industry; and upgrading the quality of the network.

Actually, Etteborn explained, the two "problems" facing the Philippine telecommunications industry is not really considered by Ericsson as "problems" but rather as an "opportunity" to offer its services and transfer the necessary technology to the Philippines.

The new firm, which is expected to generate $5 billion in revenues next year, would provide project management, network integration, telecommunications consultancy and training.

It would also focus on building local expertise in telecommunications consultancy especially in the areas of mobile communications and Internet.

Etteborn further elaborated that in order to keep pace with the fast development in ICT knowledge and competence, the Philippines needs a partner who is global player and who could transfer the necessary technology.

Ericsson Services Philippines would provide such a tie-up with local firms.

Additionally, Etteborn said, Ericsson Services Philippines would be able to help offer better services and consultancy services to start-up companies.

Etteborn explained that having a separate company would allow Ericsson to address its clients better.

Ericsson, Etteborn further explained, has tied up with the Sony Corp. of Japan through a joint venture to concentrate on cellular telephone development and manufacturing.

Since Sony is at the forefront of the entertainment and communication business, the tie-up is expected to be beneficial in as short as five years when multi-media applications will be at its peak. – Marianne Go