Private Network Push Gains Momentum as Tata Elxsi, Druid Software Team Up

BANGALORE, India – November 21, 2023 – The race to build out dedicated, secure wireless networks for enterprises is heating up, with Tata Elxsi and Druid Software announcing a strategic partnership to deliver integrated 4G/5G core solutions. The collaboration aims to simplify the adoption of private networks, a burgeoning market driven by the demands of Industry 4.0 and the increasing need for reliable, low-latency connectivity.

De-Risking the 5G Transition for Businesses

The partnership centers around integrating Druid’s Raemis™ private cellular core – a platform supporting both 4G and 5G technologies – with Tata Elxsi’s xG-Force Lab-as-a-Service (LaaS) platform. This combination offers enterprises a crucial testing ground to validate and deploy these networks at scale, significantly reducing the risks and time associated with implementing new technologies. The ability to seamlessly migrate from 4G to 5G is a key selling point, addressing concerns about the cost and complexity of a full 5G overhaul.

“Our collaboration with Druid Software ensures enterprises get the best of 5G core and IMS in an integrated, standards-compliant environment,” said Priya S. Kumar, Head of Media & Communications at Tata Elxsi. The xG-Force platform is designed to allow companies to “de-risk and accelerate their 5G journey” by providing a controlled environment for experimentation and deployment.

The Rise of Private Networks and Industry 4.0

Private networks, unlike public cellular networks, are dedicated to a single organization, offering enhanced security, control, and performance. They are particularly attractive to industries with demanding connectivity requirements, such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and transportation. The global private 5G network market is projected to reach USD 8.3 billion by 2028, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, demonstrating the significant growth potential.

This growth is intrinsically linked to the broader Industry 4.0 revolution, which relies on technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) to automate and optimize industrial processes. These applications require reliable, high-bandwidth, and low-latency connectivity – precisely what private 5G networks can deliver.

Raemis™ Core: A Flexible Foundation for Enterprise Connectivity

Druid Software’s Raemis™ platform is built on open 3GPP standards, ensuring interoperability and avoiding vendor lock-in. Its integrated IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) architecture supports mission-critical services like Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over New Radio (VoNR), as well as advanced multimedia applications. The platform’s flexibility allows for deployment as a standalone 4G/5G core network at any location requiring secure wireless coverage.

“By combining our mature multigenerational 4G/5G core platform, with a built-in IMS layer, and Tata Elxsi’s Lab-as-a-Service, enterprises gain the confidence to deploy next-generation connectivity tailored for their most demanding use cases,” explained Sumit Gehani, VP of Sales at Druid Software. The ease of installation and centralized control offered by Raemis further simplifies the deployment process for businesses.

Beyond Connectivity: Integrating with Tata Elxsi’s Innovation Platforms

Tata Elxsi isn’t simply offering a testing ground for network infrastructure. The company plans to integrate the 4G/5G solutions with its existing innovation platforms, including Neuron for autonomous networks, TETHER for connected vehicles, TEngage for digital health, and TEDAx for big data engineering. This integration will enable the development of advanced applications leveraging AI, next-generation communications, and other cutting-edge technologies.

The potential applications are vast, ranging from automotive manufacturing and remote healthcare to smart campus environments and advanced logistics operations. The ability to guarantee Quality of Service (QoS) is particularly crucial for mission-critical applications, ensuring reliable performance even under heavy network load. According to the World Bank, digital technologies, including advanced connectivity solutions, are projected to contribute up to 20% of global GDP growth over the next decade, highlighting the economic importance of this trend.

The partnership between Tata Elxsi and Druid Software represents a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of private networks and unlocking the full potential of Industry 4.0. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem for testing, validation, and deployment, the two companies are empowering enterprises to embrace the future of connectivity with confidence.