DNS: OJSC VimpelCom Deploys Openmind Networks Traffic Control Platform

OJSC VimpelCom, a provider of telecommunications services in Russia, installed Openmind Networks’ Traffic Control platform to expand its SMSC systems in the Central and Volga regions of Russia. The project was led by the Openmind’s local partner LANIT and included installation of two separate platforms rated at 2,000 SMS per second in Moscow and Saratov. VimpelCom, through this deal has been able to replace old TDM equipment with the modern SIGTRAN-enabled Traffic Control solution.

“This deal heralds the coming-of-age for next generation messaging technology, as it shows that even the largest tier-1 European operators can trust these systems to build business-critical SMSC platforms, and thereby exploit the cost benefits and features that they bring”, said Alex Duncan, Openmind CEO, in a press release. He added “Previously, it was thought that Tier-1 operators had no incentive to replace the established SMSC vendors - this deal proves that this is no longer the case.”

“Traffic Control successfully met the performance demand of our busy Christmas and New Year period. We are pleased by how quickly and smoothly the migration project was completed”, said Ilya Axelrod, director, core and platforms planning and development at VimpelCom, in a press release. “Openmind was able to maintain the backwards compatibility with billing and charging interfaces used by the old systems and our management infrastructure was completely unaffected by the upgrade of the network.”

In a statement, Denis Reimer, director of the integrated business solutions department at LANIT added, “We are delighted to have completed this first project with Openmind, and we look forward to many similar projects as other operators in Russia and the CIS begin replacing legacy SMS infrastructure to meet demands for extra capacity, security and advanced services.”

In related news, VimpelCom Group issues Ruble Bonds in the amount of approximately $658 million.