Ericsson and Nokia Collaborate to Strengthen Multivendor SMO Platforms and Advance Autonomous Network Capabilities

Ericsson and Nokia Collaborate to Strengthen Multivendor SMO Platforms and Advance Autonomous Network Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson and Nokia have agreed to collaborate on advancing open standards and improving compatibility between their rApp automation portfolios in order to support multivendor SMO ecosystems. Ericsson will join Nokia’s SMO Marketplace, while Nokia will participate in the Ericsson rApp Ecosystem, allowing communication service providers to access automation applications across both platforms. The partnership focuses on promoting interoperability through standardized interfaces such as R1 and accelerating the development of Autonomous Networks. By enabling rApps to operate across different vendor environments, the collaboration is expected to simplify automation deployment and support the broader adoption of AI-driven network management technologies.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 2-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson and Nokia have announced a strategic cooperation designed to expand the use of open standards and improve compatibility between their respective rApp automation solutions. The initiative is intended to strengthen multivendor Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) environments, enabling communication service providers (CSPs) to access a broader range of automation tools while accelerating the industry’s transition toward Autonomous Networks.

As part of the agreement, Ericsson will participate in Nokia’s SMO Marketplace, a platform that enables CSPs and technology partners to develop, integrate, and deploy automation applications within an open and interoperable ecosystem. At the same time, Nokia will join the Ericsson rApp Ecosystem, which is built around the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform and supports automation across multi-technology and multivendor networks.

The reciprocal participation highlights both companies’ commitment to advancing Autonomous Networks through open collaboration. A central focus of the cooperation will be development aligned with the R1 interface, which enables rApps to communicate with SMO platforms. This work supports the introduction of artificial intelligence and automation capabilities into network deployment, optimization, and operational processes, helping CSPs progress toward highly autonomous network operations.

Through the collaboration, Ericsson and Nokia plan to make their respective rApp solutions available on both platforms, simplifying integration and encouraging broader adoption across multivendor environments. The initiative is expected to support industry-wide development by enabling smoother deployment of automation technologies across diverse network infrastructures.

Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director at ABI Research, noted that SMO is increasingly recognized as the long-term architecture for network automation, with operators and vendors working together to advance standards-based approaches. He said the mutual ecosystem participation demonstrates confidence in SMO and reinforces industry efforts to expand interoperability through standardized R1 interfaces, while also increasing the availability of rApps for CSPs.

Anders Vestergren, Head of Solution Area Network Management at Ericsson, described the agreement as an important step in supporting operators as they implement Autonomous Network strategies. He said closer cooperation between Ericsson and Nokia will encourage innovation around the R1 interface and support the growth of active rApp developer ecosystems worldwide.

Ari Kynäslahti, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia, said the collaboration represents progress toward delivering next-generation autonomous network capabilities. He noted that aligning around open frameworks and intelligent operational models will help service providers deploy automation more effectively, optimize network performance, and introduce new features more rapidly across global networks.

ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

ABOUT NOKIA:
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

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SOURCE: Ericsson