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Ericsson is a networking equipment and software provider, primarily selling mobile networking equipment and services to wireless service providers. Ericsson operates in three segments: networks, cloud software and services, and enterprise. While large wireless carriers are its largest customers, Ericsson has expanded its offerings for large enterprises. These products and services include private 5G networking, contact centers as a service, and application performance interfaces. Ericsson aims to combine its 5G network expertise with cloud-native, as-a-service platforms offering a more comprehensive hardware and software package. Ericsson also monetizes its research and development investments by licensing patents to handset manufacturers.

Cisco Systems is the largest provider of networking equipment in the world and one of the largest software companies in the world. Its largest businesses are selling networking hardware and software (where it has leading market shares) and cybersecurity software such as firewalls. It also has collaboration products, like its Webex suite, and observability tools. It primarily outsources its manufacturing to third parties and has a large sales and marketing staff-25,000 strong across 90 countries. Overall, Cisco employs 80,000 people and sells its products globally.