ABI identifies HPE, NTT, Atos as system integrator leaders for Enterprise 5G

A recent competitive ranking by global technology intelligence firm ABI Research compares and ranks different System Integrators (SIs) and their enterprise 5G offerings based on an extensive set of criteria to assess innovation and implementation. The ranking identified HPE, NTT, Atos, and Capgemini Engineering as clear leaders in this space, the full scope of the assessments consists of 20 operators from different geographical regions.

“Our assessment identifies key aspects that System Integrators need to consider bringing cellular connectivity to different enterprise environments successfully,” says Leo Gergs, Senior Analyst for Private Networks and Enterprise Connectivity at ABI Research. “At the heart of this, System Integrators must design solutions that address key enterprise pain points. As enterprises are not primarily interested in deploying 5G connectivity per se, SIs must provide true end-to-end connectivity solutions. These include vertical-specific applications and security mechanisms that give enterprises the much-needed assurance of a protected network. To offer this in an attractive pricing structure, System Integrators must do everything they can to lower upfront investment barriers for enterprises and fully embrace a Network-as-a-Service or even Business Outcome-as-a-Service model.”

HPE, Capgemini Engineering, and NTT ranked as implementation leaders among SIs. HPE has a robust ecosystem reach with a growing number of partnerships across different domains. This spans well beyond the traditional telco world. Furthermore, HPE relies on its own networking components, enabling the ultimate deployment at an implementing enterprise site to be exceptionally smooth. Capgemini Engineering is well situated when it comes to existing enterprise cellular deployments. Its extensive focus on different enterprise verticals puts it in a leading position to execute its vision.

To benchmark implementation capabilities, the ranking considers each operator’s regional reach, the targeted enterprise verticals, ease of implementation, number of ecosystem partnerships, early 5G enterprise deployments as well as the existence of enterprise LTE offerings.

To assess System Integrator’s innovation criteria, ABI Research evaluated 12 bars, including customizability, technology convergence, flexibility of business models, monetizable services, the number of joint-innovation labs, and overall security provision.

“For System Integrators, this analysis should act as a wake-up call to finalize their Private 5G solutions and bring them to the market,” Gergs advises. “Enterprises are still waiting for the 5G enabled capabilities promised to them more than two years ago, and this disappointment makes them consider non-cellular technology alternatives. Carriers must understand that the window of opportunity to gain traction in the enterprise 5G world is closing.”

CT Bureau