SEPTEMBER 2017CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM 19mentioned, these systems are no longer being supported. Also, as network demands have increased, especially on the data traffic part of the network, it is increasingly necessary to upgrade all equipment in the data path. The good news is that technology advances offer utilities now good choices to make the quantum leap they need.Realizing the need of the hour, ECI comes in with its robust, resilient solutions that offer utilities, and strategic industries the best of a converged IT/OT infrastructure. With a customer-centric approach, ECI caters to the service providers and utility industries with its elastic network solutions that are flexible to execute. "Utility companies do not have vast network operations departments and require systems that are simple to operate and manage," says Darryl Edwards, CEO and president, ECI. "ECI's solutions ensure a graceful migration of legacy services, natively, so the transition is even easier. In fact, ECI's unique, all-in-one Packet-Optical-Cyber platform provides the ground for secure data exchange between FAN (Field Area Network), TSO and DSO substations, generation plants, and data centers, supporting and processing sub-T1 data rates up to several hundreds of Mbps. Just one less headache to worry about."Regardless of the driver, utilities' end goal should remain the same ­ a quick, efficient, secure, and cost-effective upgrade. ElastiGRIDTM is ECI's tailored solution for utilities and strategic industries. Designed based on the company's more than 50 years' experience in servicing hundreds of utility customers worldwide, ElastiGRID is the perfect choice for a risk-free and future-proof network upgrade. Combining OT and IT networks on a single, converged infrastructure, offers utilities four major benefits:1) Converged architecture with simpler network design and operating costs2) Common equipment which results in lower capital expenses3) The joint network lends itself more easily to being upgraded, expanded and enhanced as demands increase and new services are added.4) Holistic cyber security coverage, from IT to OT ­ embedded into the converged infrastructureECI's comprehensive portfolio lies at the heart of its offering. ECI's state-of-the-art, packet-optical equipment combines carrier grade performance with speed and efficiency made available with the latest technology advances. ECI's network management system makes daily operations simple and intuitive. ECI's LightAPPSTM ensure the network is being optimized and capacity maximized to its full ability. And integrated cyber security solution, LightSECTM, ensures utilities a unique and tailored solution to protect them from increasing threats on this front as well."Customer wins are a great indication of the strength of our solutions and the success of our strategy," believes Edwards who is one of the biggest supporters of the company's focus and drive. With its customer-driven approach, ECI has won a wide variety of projects across the utilities industry around the world. These include major power utilities like Tennet TSO and utilities in the US; airports, water, rail, and transport providers like Trafikverket; and oil and gas utilities; as well as utilities which have become telcos (UTelcos) like New Telco. According to Edwards, ECI's partner network is a major part of its go-to-market strategy. "Much of our utility business is conducted via partners and integrators that can complement ECI solutions with their own," he adds. Moreover, with over 100 partners globally, many of which are market leaders in their fields, ECI ensures that its customers receive the most comprehensive, yet tailored solution. The telecommunications industry does not stand still, nor does ECI. With a customer-centric approach, ECI caters to the service providers and utility industries with its elastic network solutions that are flexible to executeDarryl Edwards,CEO & President
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