Bharti Airtel has announced the launch of Managed MPLS Service in partnership with Cisco. This service is the first of a series of Managed Services that Airtel plans to launch over the next two years. The service launch includes a Tier 1 MSCP certification from Cisco for their network and service capabilities, to provide Managed MPLS VPN services. With this Airtel has become the first service provider in APAC to achieve Cisco Powered Managed Multi-Protocol Layer Switching Provider status under CISCO Managed Services Channel Partnership (MSCP) Program. The certification places it in a league of select global operators that are endorsed for carrier class MPLS networks and enterprise class MPLS service capabilities.

The Managed MPLS Service will provide efficient solutions with end-to-end service assurance to enterprises, for their business critical networks. The services are a part of Airtel’s strategy to migrate from TDM to IP based network services and introduce a full suite of Managed Services for Indian enterprises.

The CISCO MSCP Tier 1 certification is based on rigorous third party audit that covers various aspects of the MPLS Service, including network architecture, network engineering capabilities, the security on network and service providing capabilities and processes. Airtel has also obtained a certification from Cisco for its TelePresence Connection capabilities. This certification recognises Airtel MPLS network for running Hi-Definition video conferencing services, which give users real life-like experience. The TelePresence service will form a part of Airtel’s full suite of audio and video conference services.

“Our aim is to be an end-to-end managed services provider for Indian enterprises, to move beyond network management to offer and provide converged application services on business critical networks. The CISCO Tier 1 certification is a big step in that direction.,” said David Nishball, president, enterprise services, Bharti Airtel.

Rajesh Chainani, senior vice president – service provider, Cisco India and SAARC said, “We would like to congratulate Airtel on achieving the Tier 1 certification for Cisco’s MSCP Program. By providing predictable and globally consistent terms and by stabilising access to in-country products, managed service providers can more easily deliver the network and premise-based managed services that customers demand”.

Over the next two years, Airtel will start offering a wide range of managed IP-based services in a phased manner. These services will enable enterprises to outsource some of their most important IP communication services with complete investment protection and scalability.