DEINE SUCHERGEBNISSE.

The martial word bootcamp sounds like pressure at first: in the shortest possible time, newcomers have to be able to work on projects and experienced colleagues have to be trained in new tools - as efficiently as possible. Our test automation bootcamp does this, but works completely without a drill sergeant; made possible by a pronounced InnerSource thinking in the team. #robotframework #innersource #learning What is the Bootcamp and why was it created? No matter if you are a new software developer, a network technician or a long-time DevOps colleague: Everyone at siticom can suddenly come into contact with test automation and has an almost incalculable level of knowledge about it. So off to the boot camp: the basis is a very well documented tutorial on the subject. The focus is on Robot Framework, a complex of open source tools that can be used for testing and automating software processes. What is Robot? Robot Framework is widely used as a testing tool for Acceptance Test Driven Development (ATDD) in a variety of applications and increasingly for Robotic Process Automation. Its origins lie with Nokia, and it is currently supported by the non-profit Robot Framework Foundation. "I realised I needed to share my knowledge better. But now, instead of explaining the same thing to each individual step by step, every week, like in school, I just put things from daily work as an assignment and then said 'go for it'. And now it runs all by itself." Julius Hüther, Network Solution Expert How did it come about and how is the bootcamp organised in the meantime? Starting with a small collection of keywords on the topic, within just one year a small didactic masterpiece of linked information and tasks has emerged, the solutions of which can immediately serve as a practical reference in the project. The secret: The formulation of sub-tasks and the documentation of solutions is done by the participants themselves, instead of being firmly prescribed by the mentors. Each participant is also a further developer of the training. "After the bootcamp, the participants are at a level from which they can have a say - no matter where they come from. You can just tell then who has done it and who hasn't." ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Stanislaw Sauer, Student Assistant "They are realistic scenarios. You don't just get fed everything by hand, you have the space to learn for yourself. No one is punished if you think the wrong way." Sandro Voncenti, Student Assistant The strength of the format lies in its flexible orientation to the individual knowledge and working methods of the participants. Not only is the content designed to be as modular as possible. There is also no defined end to the programme: learners develop independently and a transition to project tasks at the client takes place seamlessly as soon as the necessary knowledge is available. Career starters and students are thus motivated and on an equal footing with their colleagues. At the same time, experienced employees do not feel they are in a training situation. Everyone comments on and expands on the tasks in their own way, and helps to shape how solutions are formulated and presented. Although there is a Test Automation Standup where questions about the Bootcamp could be discussed, the participants usually get help in spontaneous dialogue. This also shows the advantage of the method for the mentors: due to the less abstract, project-related tasks, support during the bootcamp is organically part of the daily work. Excerpt of a task from Part 2 of the Bootcamp: Robot Framework "Most of the time, the questions of those who are sitting on it have something to do with what we are busy with anyway. So that never bothers us." Julius Hüther, Network Solution Expert ​​​​​​ "I didn't know anything at the beginning. Then I just wrote down and self-documented every problem that I think somehow belongs to it." Stanislaw Sauer, Student Assistant Content of the Bootcamp At the moment, participants can join different modules depending on their interest and level of knowledge: ​​​​​​​ Networking Fundamentals: Basic understanding and handling of the required software environment such as GNS3, Wireshark, Robot Framework and a reasonable VS code environment. Advanced Networking: From the first self-programmed test to connectivity and routing tests, to documentation with LibDoc. Also troubleshooting and further lessons with Wireshark pyATS and Genie. Automated Testing: The actual automation with Robot Framework with a large number of best practices. In addition, there is the "Advanced Lab", an area for special test cases or particularly sophisticated solutions from practice, mostly presented by the more experienced colleagues. "You are given real problems, you simply learn more. This is the first time I've seen it like this in a company." ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Stanislaw Sauer, Student Assistant "For me it's not over now, I'm still working on improving it e.g. for other topics like 5G or Infrastructure as Code." Sandro Voncenti, Student Assistant The development of interactive documentation has been a complete success so far and we are happy that the example is also setting a precedent in other projects and subject areas.

#1 The moment you realize it's suddenly about something completely different *translated from german Welcome to "My typical Working Day @ siticom", a blog series by and with me, Amelie Weber, in which I interview a colleague from different areas of siticom about their typical working day. It's about professional background, responsibilities, opinions about home office. But sometimes, like today, there comes this moment when you realize that it's suddenly about something completely different than originally planned - women in IT. For my very first contribution to this series, I have my colleague Tanja Lintner, QGIS Developer at siticom, as my guest today. A: Hello Tanja, so tell me, I really can't imagine what you actually do at our company. I only know that you have been with us since the beginning of the year. T: Yes, I still don't really know what I do. [laughs] I'm Tanja Lintner, I studied geography, then I did an apprenticeship as a tourism clerk. Then, in a roundabout way, I found the job at the competitor and there I was basically the "girl for everything". I was a back-office employee for construction and supported my site manager, worked as a planner, and then trained as a project manager. I also did a bit of bookkeeping on the side. A: Oh, that sounds exciting. T: I've been at siticom since the beginning of the year, initially supporting the accounting Telekom tasks of a colleague who is now doing a semester abroad. At the same time, I am also involved with other clients, both in planning and structuring. We are currently in the process of switching from AutoCAD to QGIS*, which is both challenging and exciting. A: That's actually quite a lot that you do. What does your typical workday look like? T: My typical workday always starts at around 6:00 a.m. A: Oh wow, that early? T: Yes, so I can finish work earlier. [laughs] The first thing I do is look at all the new Telekom orders that have come in and then feed them into our system. Apart from the usual mails and small things, I mainly work on our Telekom project, e.g. entering measurements in our system, etc. Once I've done that, I can also prepare the invoices for the accounting department and coordinate the planning activities for other customers, obtain line information, in other words, the normal planning activities. And I'm actually also in the home office 100% of the time. I live in Würzburg and the closest geographical location is Weiterstadt. When things are going well, I'm on the road for 2 ½ hours by bus and train. A: Okay, that's a really long way. What are the advantages of working from home? Other than the long commute you would have? T: There are so many of them. For one thing, working undisturbed. I can just put my phone on silent for half an hour and get my work done without being disturbed. Then personally: I have two cats and that is just insanely life-enriching for me when someone suddenly comes and briefly wants your attention and to be stroked. That also lets me switch off for a moment and think about something else. And then also in terms of perspective: I'm getting married in two weeks and in the next 2 to 3 years I'll be planning a family with children. Home office and flexible working hours were a reason for me to switch to siticom. I now have my work-life balance even more under control and have the opportunity to better organize family life, which is coming up at some point. Especially when you're a woman in the IT industry [laughs]. A: I think especially the point about children or family in general is well covered with the work-life balance. Do you also see any disadvantages of home office? T: I think that not every person is suitable for the home office, because social contact with colleagues then takes place at most, as with both of us, over the phone or via webcam. For many people, this interpersonal contact is missing. You meet briefly in the coffee kitchen and talk about more personal topics. A: You just briefly mentioned working as a woman in the IT industry. It's a well-known fact that the proportion of men in the IT industry is higher. What do you think is the reason for that? T: The traditional view is that the woman goes in the social or interactive direction, while the man sits in front of the laptop and programs. The main problem that most women may see is, "You have to stay on it." I realize that now with QGIS, too, once you're really out, you're out. You always have to stay up-to-date and see what's coming up, for example, with SQL (Structured Query Language). SQL is a language like English, if you don't speak it for a few years, it's very difficult to get back into it. However, I believe that this is now changing quite a lot, more and more women are entering the IT sector. Simply because society is rethinking the idea that men can also take parental leave and there is also the option of home office. As a result, many women can imagine pursuing such a profession without having to fear that they will be out after 2 years of parental leave. A: Could you give some advice to the women out there who are a little bit afraid to start in the IT industry? For example, they might be afraid of getting nasty comments or maybe being treated unfairly. T: I don't think I can formulate in a positive way what's on my mind right now. Unfortunately, previous experiences were not the best for me, once bitten, twice shy. The only thing I could say would be "Don't take it to heart, because you know how good you are!" A: On the one hand, a really nice quote... T: ...but it sounds so unsatisfying! [laughs] A: I know that too, I have also received some unpleasant comments myself in the past. That wasn't easy, especially at the beginning. You're young, you get insecure and don't dare say anything against it. But you learn to deal with it over time and maybe even speak up. T: Yes, exactly. I don't think you should be afraid of it. I don't think there is THE perfect job, whether for a woman or a man. If I'm a kindergarten teacher, people say, "Yeah, sure, she plays with kids all day long, that's zero responsibility.“ If I'm a teacher, "Ah well, she's only on vacation. She just does her lessons and that's it." As a woman in IT, I once heard the following during my apprenticeship: "I would have preferred to speak to Mr. XY. I generally only do that with gentlemen." A: How did you deal with that? T: Put it through and thought a**hole. [laughs] A: That's the right attitude. [laughs] T: I just can't grow a penis in a hurry right now. I have to show that I am worth it. So what I can do, that I can do it, and that I don't have to prove it to everyone. Sometimes I have the feeling that men do this because they feel threatened, in the sense of additional competition on the job market. But I also think that only those who are insecure about themselves do that. A: I agree with you 100%! T: But in the meantime I am above that. I know what I can do, I know who I am. At work, it's important that I make connections and I don't want to upset any customers, but at the end of the day, it's just a job A: It's also said, "You work to live, not live to work." T: Exactly. And that's why, as long as I'm happy in my private life, I can stand that there are people like that. [laughs] A: But fortunately that's not the case with us. Or at least not known. At any rate, I haven't noticed anything yet. [laughs] T: Nevertheless, I still have a bad gut feeling. For example, I had a small discussion with a colleague in which I was wondering (like I was wondering in many situations before) whether he would really take me seriously because I'm younger, a woman and have less professional experience. We clarified this afterwards and it turned out that it was simply a misunderstanding. I think most women feel that way, though. It's similar to the situation when a man walks past you and just says a polite "Hey, you look nice today" to you. Without ulterior motives. Most of the time you have these exclamation marks in your head "Ahh help, leave me alone!". A: Yes, I know that too. Sometimes I also have the feeling that colleagues think to themselves "Well, let's let her talk" and don't take me seriously, even though it's not really like that. [laughs] T: Yes, exactly. [laughs] I know that. And that's exactly why I think the best advice to women is simply to persevere. And think a**hole. For me personally, this saying is important: "Change it, love it, leave it" - If you can't change it and you don't love it then leave. Just because I have this job doesn't mean I have to be there forever. A: Yeah, that's the right thing too! Like you said, it's ONLY A JOB. Thank you Tanja for your time and this conversation. It was a great pleasure for me. *QGIS is a free geographic information system software for viewing, editing, capturing and analyzing spatial data. It is a user-friendly open-source geographic information system (GIS) licensed under the GNU (General Public License). With the help of QGIS, raw images can be converted into maps in which, for example, planned fiber optic routes can be mapped. The interview was conducted by: Amelie Weber Marketing Manager, siticom GmbH

tl;dr This year, Hannover Messe will take place from 30 May to 2 June 2022. Theme: "Industrial Transformation" - Industry 4.0. siticom is an integral part of the solutions presented by Logicalis and Cisco at the Cisco booth: Hall 5, Booth D36. Logicalis GmbH will present innovative Private 5G technologies at the Hannover Messe (Cisco booth: hall 5, booth D36). The international IT solution and managed services provider will focus on the various fields of application of Private 5G - among others in Industry 4.0 scenarios, which aim at the use of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV). Trade visitors can also find out more about the new Private 5G solution based on Cisco technologies in combination with the radio access solutions from JMA Wireless and Airspan. siticom is the specialist for the integration of various solutions and strengthens the Logicals portfolio as an expert for enterprise networks, fibre optic expansion and network transformation. Stefan Höltken sees a wide range of possible applications: "5G is a platform that makes innovations possible, whether in manufacturing, logistics or the energy and media sector. For example, flows of goods can be monitored without delays, autonomous vehicles can be integrated into logistical processes or drones can be used for maintenance purposes at hard-to-reach facilities." The advantages of the Cisco Private 5G solution at a glance Available as-a-service: reducing technical, financial and operational risks for businesses. Complementary with Wi-Fi: Integrates with enterprise systems, including existing and future versions of Wi-Fi. Transparent across the network and on all devices: Simplify operations with centralised management and policies. Pay-as-you-use model: Individual usage models help save costs and allow expansion with additional services. source: https://www.de.logicalis.com/presse/logicalis-auf-der-hannover-messe-2022/

Our Currenta project is a brilliant example of responsibility that feels fulfilling and rewarding. Every single component in a complex environment was delivered successfully according to a sophisticated planning. What does siticom do in this project? Part 1: Implementation - Currenta Backbone Project As part of the Currenta Backbone project, an IP data network was set up for the CHEMPARK operator at all three sites, connected via a double fiber optic ring. The aim here is to offer the companies at the chemical park a high-performance and future-proof ICT infrastructure for their production facilities, logistics processes and offices. Within the scope of this project, all technical components for the operation and control of the data network were supplied, commissioned and integrated. Here, siticom took on the role of system integrator and handed over a "turnkey" and immediately operational solution to Currenta. This enables Currenta to offer and operate modern, high-performance ICT services for its CHEMPARK partners. The operation and monitoring of this data network is also carried out here by siticom. Part 2: Commissioning In October 2018, the network was put into operation and additional services for 24/7 monitoring and fault clearance of the Currenta backbone network were implemented. To meet the steadily increasing demand of CHEMPARK partners for site connections and data bandwidths, additional ports have been continuously connected and put into operation: Tripling of the number of customer ports that can be connected since the start of the project in 2018. Expansion of transmission capacity between the CHEMPARKS based on the installed fiber-optic double ring. Connection of approx. 560 customer services in just 2 years. In addition, siticom also solved challenges such as addressing operational issues such as access, contact partners, responsibilities, cable management, documentation errors. Adaptations to very different procedures for final acceptance of Currenta services were also required. The advantage: The network runs smoothly without disruptions or capacity bottlenecks, with high customer satisfaction, continuously monitored by the siticom Network Operation Center NOC. On this basis, Currenta can concentrate on expanding its ICT service portfolio, on the one hand to develop additional, individualized services for existing customers and on the other to provide standardized services for new customers at the CHEMPARK. As a long-standing and trusted partner, we will continue to be available to Currenta for the operation and further development of the project. Learn more about siticom's Campus Networks activities at: https://www.siticom.online/network-transformation As well as in our Insight Innovation Platform 5G. About Currenta: In addition to on-site substance and energy supply, a wide range of analytical services and modern environmental management, Currenta's range of services primarily includes extensive infrastructure services and reliable safety concepts. For example, it operates an IP/MPLS network for companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Currenta manages and operates CHEMPARK, one of the largest chemical sites in Europe, at its sites in Leverkusen, Dormagen and Krefeld-Uerdingen. As a modern service company, they aim to create optimum research and production conditions for their resident customers. Source: https://www.currenta.de/chempark.html

(Source: bahnbauprojekt-stuttgart-ulm.de) The Stuttgart 21 project is a complete reorganization of the Stuttgart rail hub, which was concluded in 2009 as part of a financing agreement between the federal government, the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, the state capital Stuttgart, the Stuttgart Regional Association, Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH and Deutsche Bahn. The central structure of this project is the future main station. In addition, the Stuttgart rail hub will be fully equipped with digital control and safety technology in a Germany-wide pilot project. More than ten million passengers are expected to benefit from the expansion of the Stuttgart rail hub in conjunction with the new line to Ulm. What is siticom doing in this project? siticom is responsible for planning and interface coordination for rail technology (construction measures for equipping telecommunications systems) in eight planning approval sections in the subproject of the major Stuttgart 21 project. The total volume of the project includes the control and safety technology, 50 Hz systems, as well as the cable planning for the track cables and the laying of fiber optics in empty conduits and cable troughs. Furthermore, it also includes all emergency call pillars and the BOS' slot cable, the transmission technology of the IP access network and the SDH network. In addition, it also includes the fire and hazard systems, the reporting system (DBMAS) and the BOS radio systems (digital, TETRA). The eight planning approval sections of Stuttgart 21 are: Valley crossing with main station (PFA 1.1) Future through station between Kriegsberg in the north and Kernerviertel in the south. Consisting of a new platform hall, with a concrete shell roof, and the Nordkopf and Südkopf tunnels. Filder Tunnel (PFA1.2) A 9.5-kilometer tunnel connecting Stuttgart's main station and the Filder plain. Airport link - new line with NBS station (PFA 1.3a) and Gaeubahn line (PFA 1.3b) Realization of the connection of Stuttgart Airport and the trade fair center, to the long-distance and regional rail network and two planning approval sections. New line with NBS station: Comprises the 5-kilometer section of the new Stuttgart-Wendlingen-Ulm line along the A8 to the Wendlingen Filder area. Gaeubahn routing: Includes the connection to the airport from and in the direction of the Gaeubahn with the Rohrer curve, the station 3rd track parallel to the Stuttgart Airport/Traide Fair Suburban train station, the tunnel Airport curve, and adaptation measures on the line between Stuttgart-Rohr and the airport. (The planning approval procedure for PFA 1.3b is currently underway). Filder area to Wendlingen (PFA 1.4) A 10-kilometer section comprising the high-speed line on the Filder from the eastern edge of the airport taxiway to the crossing of the Neckar at Wendlingen. Feuerbach and Bad Cannstatt access (PFA 1.5) The two tunnels at Feuerbach and Bad Cannstatt provide access to the new main station from the north. In addition, the Suburban train will have a new underground line there, shifted to the west, with the Mitternachtsstraße Suburban train station. Ober- / Untertürkheim feeder line (PFA 1.6a) Connection of Stuttgart main station with the Neckar valley, using the new Obertürkheim tunnel with the branch to Untertürkheim. Untertürkheim stabling yard (PFA 1.6b) The new Untertürkheim stabling yard is being built on the site of the former marshalling yard between Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt and Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. In our Insight "Clearance of railroad construction sites" you will find our use cases and solutions for telecommunications connections in the network area of Deutsche Bahn. Source: https://www.bahnprojekt-stuttgart-ulm.de/projekt/ueberblick/stuttgart-21/ https://www.bahnprojekt-stuttgart-ulm.de/en/

In recent years, siticom has already taken on planning and construction coordination tasks for NetCologne GmbH in the context of FTTH (fiber to the home) network expansion for area coverage. Last year, planning and project management were added to the successful connection of numerous schools in Cologne. This year, the focus is increasingly shifting to new contracts in the real estate sector. How is NetCologne involved in connecting residential and commercial properties? With more than 28,000 kilometers of laid cable and a steady expansion, NetCologne is one of Germany's pioneers in fiber-optic expansion and fast Internet. NetCologne is regionally active and has around half a million residential and business customers. Demand for high-speed networks is rising steadily, with more and more real estate companies taking action to provide their tenants with the necessary broadband connection. For example, 5500 buildings are to be supplied with fiber optics for one of the largest residential construction companies in Cologne. What does siticom do in these projects? siticom is responsible for project coordination and tasks ranging from technical site inspections to monitoring implementation by construction and installation companies. After the site inspection, siticom independently carries out the connection planning and, if necessary, the further planning for the in-house area. In addition, the documents for the invitation to tender are prepared and site supervision and quality assurance are ensured until completion of the project. Learn more about siticom's activities in the area of infrastructure at https://www.siticom.online/infrastructure-modernization . We are looking forward to further exciting and successful projects together with our partner NetCologne in 2022! Source: https://netcologne-unternehmen.de/?_ga=2.94514268.1369483408.1645002740-172151258.1645002739&_gac=1.128799102.1645002742.Cj0KCQiA3rKQBhCNARIsACUEW_bakPG1f5_QlpupAJ_RDDJ2IxeEA8rSMMZoH17ZQwmrDn2PXc3e2Z0aAiVsEALw_wcB

Mobile World Congress 2022 was impressive! It showed the great puzzle we call "the networks of tomorrow" that drives the industries and the market. And here is the thing: there are so many pieces! Who does not know the feeling – the excitement or getting lost – of looking for just the one piece you need from a huge toybox? We love to put the pieces together! With our knowledge we drive new cloudnative SDN architectures for Telekom's Access 4.0 Read more about cloudification and virtualization services As trusted advisor and innovation partner for London Stock Exchange we transform network infrastructure via agile delivery, Dev-Ops, network automation and Infrastructure-as-Code Read more about network transformation services This expertise connects also with broadband and 5G / new radio, growing together with our partners Airspan, Druid, Metaswitch and many more. Read more about our private 5G offerings and partnerships Watch a little clip about our OpenRAN Demonstrator Thank you for your trust! How can we help to solve your puzzle? Read all case studies and insights Let’s play together!

Feel free to watch this video to learn more about our 5G OpenRAN Demonstartor Kit and what services siticom provides in the process. If you would like to learn more about our OpenRan approach, you should read our simply explained 5G OpenRan Cookbook. For more information on 5G, check out our Insight 5G Integration and Private 5G. We have convinced you? Then please feel free to send us an email or give us a call to let us know on what stage of your planning you are and we will put you in touch with the experts from our 5G team. Contact: info@siticom.de

What’s on the menu? Nothing less than 5G. Imagine siticom as a chef, cooking and composing the different courses of a 5G Menu. Through our easily digestible cookbook for 5G OpenRAN you will understand the difference between this menu and a ready meal (a vendor locked legacy solution). But why different courses and flavours? Is 5G not like any other WiFi? It might not and it should not. As an integrator, we understand the numerous use cases for 5G and we aim to understand all of them. Thus we have an intricate understanding of the 5G service layer, the necessary virtualization stack and the underlying synchronized network. This cookbook explains all of it. All in a quick, simple and metaphorical view. It’s more than just a “OpenRAN for dummies” – you will see that open approaches like OpenRAN are part of our DNA and our perspective on business solutions. PDF download here: reading time 8 minutes. Language English. Please share!

During the flood of the century in July 2021 in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, not only were hundreds of people killed, but numerous houses, roads and infrastructure were also completely destroyed in this disaster. Only a few months after the flood in the Ahr Valley, reconstruction could begin, most of the debris and mud was removed from the areas and remaining houses were drained. A new high-pressure natural gas pipeline was also built through the lower Ahr Valley in a record time of just 100 days to supply residents there during winter temperatures. In December 2021, the Connect Energie company also started planning and building the Telekom fiber optic network in the Dernau, Rech and Mayschoß areas. In cooperation with Connect Energie, siticom is responsible for the entire planning and preparatory route securing of the network. More than 42 kilometers of fiber optic main cables and another 190 kilometers of branch lines, starting from 28 newly planned Telekom network distributors, will be planned to reach the households. A total of around 2,000 households should therefore be able to benefit from this. In addition, the new fiber optic connection will not incur any costs for the owners. Planning is expected to be completed by the end of March 2022 and network construction by mid-2023. Sources: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/9077/5120847 https://www.wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/hochwasser-das-ahrtal-hofft-auf-den-wiederaufbau/27871592.html

“Bring people together and stuff happens – sometimes unexpectedly. This is the essence of siticom innersource and the reason why it works.” Necati Mercan, consultant at siticom siticom practices a variation of InnerSource to increase transparency within the company. All employees can participate in different projects, drive innovation and allow chances for cross-stack and cross-team collaboration. This our view on our innersource strategy – Would you like to share yours? First of all: What is innersource at siticom? InnerSource describes the method of adapting open source strategies and workflows within an organization. For us it is essentially about collaboration and transparency, where we, as a company and as individuals, become better at what we do. innersource brings with it a whole host of benefits: Increase decentralization and cross-stack collaboration Stimulate innovation and improve communication Gain, share and preserve knowledge Open development environment Departments work together more intensively Possibility of higher code quality and acceleration of deployments Our goal is to learn and adapt applicable measures at siticom so that they bring these tangible benefits to us and eventually achieve better employee and customer satisfaction. innersource is driven by our colleagues and each individual contributes. We practice it across all stacks as one of our guiding principles in our agile project management. How do we achieve an innersource culture? For successful innersource adaptation, it is necessary to be open and transparent with all processes, decisions, work and communication with each other. It is important to share ideas, successes and failures in order to grow together as a company. We create room to enable an open discussion culture and invite our active collaborators, stakeholders and others to participate. siticom uses modern tooling and communication infrastructure and adapts these to the communities needs and culture. Culture generates content. We actively bring together potentials for growing, enabling, discovering and researching interesting topics that might become a temporary or permanent innersource initiative at siticom. We listen when someone comes up with an idea. We develop along the needs and interests of us. The knowledge we multiply We have many interested stakeholders in the area of network test automation, infrastructure as code and cloud deployment. Projects range from our 5G Test Laboratory to infrastructure planning and network operations. (read here more about the wide range of siticom projects) Therefore the initial content is heavily influenced by that, but not limited to that. Participation is contribution. It is important for us to share knowledge and prevent the emergence of knowledge silos. Our guiding principles apply to the innersource initiative itself as well and we are curious where this journey will lead us. As a team we experience the benefits of these practices every day – and would love to share our insights with you. What is your opinion?

On November 18, 2021, Europe's leading telecom providers, such as Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica and others, published a joint paper on the topic: 5G / OpenRAN for Europe. The remarkable thing here is that siticom has managed to emerge here as THE integrator for Europe! (Source: BUILDING AN OPEN RAN ECOSYSTEM FOR EUROPE, page 16) This report is based on the findings of independent TMT management consultancy Analysys Mason and calls on policy makers, EU Member States and industry stakeholders to work together and urgently prioritize the Open Radio Access Network (OpenRAN). This will ensure that Europe continues to play a leading role in 5G and, in the future, 6G. An open, intelligent, virtualized and fully interoperable radio access network is a necessary condition for Europe to achieve the goal of 5G for all in 2030. This will help create stronger and more resilient supply chains and platforms, and promote digital autonomy and continued technology leadership. New open and decomposed architecture, software and hardware (such as OpenRAN) will enable operators to flexibly extend 5G to more users in a cost-effective, secure and energy-efficient manner. This flexibility will stimulate more innovation across industries in areas such as telemedicine and smart factory. It is important that the EU works together here to maintain its competitiveness, technological leadership and resilience, otherwise Europe risks falling behind North America and Asia in the development and deployment of next-generation networks. It also lists five policy recommendations that can narrow the gap with other international regions to create a vibrant ecosystem of European participants and provide the foundation for future mobile communications: Ensure high-level political support for OpenRAN European Alliance for Next Generation Communications Infrastructures and a roadmap for innovation Policy makers should offer and support financial and fiscal incentives to operators, vendors and start-ups Promote European leadership in standardization Collaborate with international partners Currently, European vendors are not represented in all six major technology and service categories that make up the OpenRAN value chain, such as cloud hardware. They also outnumber non-European vendors in semiconductors. Implementing the report's recommendations would give a boost to domestic, smaller suppliers and strengthen European leadership in this important technology, which would also have a positive impact on adjacent industries such as cloud and microelectronics. The report concludes that Europe needs to include OpenRAN as a pillar in its industrial policy and Digital Compass strategy and underpin it with the right policy framework. This will have a positive impact on other key technology areas such as cloud, software and chipsets, and contribute significantly to the broader technological ambitions of a digital Europe. Source: Deutsche Telekom, Europe urged to act now to build Open RAN Ecosystem Vodafone, Europe urged to act now to build Open RAN Ecosystem Vodafone, Building an Open RAN Ecosystem for Europe (PDF)