– The propulsion of technology firms increasingly hinges on the development of new products and services. MTS is actively strengthening its B2B focus, delivering digital solutions tailored for businesses. The central question remains: what problems can a company solve using MTS IT offerings?
Today, MTS assists enterprises with a broad range of needs. In addition to reliable mobile and fixed-line communications and high-speed internet, the B2B ecosystem furnishes Russian businesses with modern automation and digitalization capabilities. Cybersecurity solutions (MTS RED), hosting for meeting needs, and online training services are part of the portfolio. MTS Link enables the creation of private networks (Private LTE) and Push-to-Talk group radio communication systems for key industries.
The Exolve platform supports a complete client communication loop, enabling ongoing engagement and feedback across touchpoints.
Moreover, MTS provides robust cloud solutions for building and scaling digital products. The cloud segment includes its own provider CloudMTS along with a major Russian partner, IT-GRAD, plus various data centers and the 1cloud.ru platform. In November 2023, the cloud offering earned a GOST certification for secure cloud placement of banking and fintech information systems that store financial transaction data. This certification signals readiness to support banking clients with compliant cloud infrastructure.
— Which MTS services are most in demand by businesses? Do small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have different needs from large corporations, or do all companies share a drive toward digitalization?
The needs of smaller businesses do differ from those of large organizations, yet some common threads unite them. In security and video surveillance, for instance, a center for these services was recently opened to serve customers. For SMEs, the emphasis is often on physical devices like cameras and cloud-based data storage solutions. Large enterprises tend to prioritize advanced capabilities such as video analytics and intelligent surveillance.
Smart cameras can monitor production lines, count and classify items on conveyors, and detect defects. They also enable site-wide object tracking and ensure compliance with storage and handling rules.
Yet there are universal solutions that fit both large and small users. A prime example is the MTS Exolve platform, launched early this year. It acts as a builder for communication services, allowing organizations to create custom customer-facing apps, achieve seamless integration with existing IT systems, and manage multi-channel communications efficiently. Both large firms and SMEs can select a suitable mix of features.
— The restriction on foreign IT systems has emerged as a major challenge for Russian business. Where can MTS offer genuine import substitution, and how is this achieved?
Within the MTS B2B ecosystem, several products fill gaps left by foreign competitors. MTS Link (formerly Webinar) provides video conferencing, online meetings, webinars, and training platforms, along with tools for hybrid and online events. An interactive online whiteboard and an enterprise messaging tool for collaboration are in testing, with commercial availability expected soon. This portfolio could fully replace departed players like Zoom and Microsoft Teams in time.
— Beyond software, MTS engages in hardware import substitution to meet Russia’s business needs. Which areas are covered?
Customer-driven development guides the approach. Partner networks supply a broad range of devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, servers, and networking equipment. The company has progressed in Telecom as a Service, tailoring solutions to customer-specific hardware needs. For example, one client received a shockproof laptop designed for field engineers at a quarry, enabling remote signing of work orders and delivery notes. The device includes a SIM card, MTS software, and integrated office applications.
— Which B2B projects at MTS have addressed the most significant challenges?
There are numerous noteworthy examples. One standout is the private network deployment (pLTE) for a leading global metals producer. Initiated in 2021, the project established a dedicated data transmission network at the Sheregeshskaya mine to support digital transformation. The initial phase included voice radio communication, video broadcasting, emergency alerts, dispatch, positioning, and autonomous control of mining equipment. The mine network was integrated with existing communications and IT infrastructure, improving process organization and cross-service collaboration. Most importantly, it raised worker safety, reducing the risk of emergencies.
— Which MTS technologies power the B2B growth?
MTS B2B engages with industrial clients and has developed geoservices like Mobile Workers and LocationPro. Mobile Workers focuses on coordinating itinerant staff, particularly in hospitality and delivery sectors. LocationPro addresses geodesy, precision agriculture, and transportation, enabling near-perfect route tracking for vehicles.
— What signals the B2B outlook over the next two to five years? What trends will lead the way?
The customer-centric approach will intensify in B2B, with companies prioritizing end users in every facet of operations. Machine learning and artificial intelligence will become integral, helping firms analyze vast data sets, forecast customer behavior, and optimize pricing. AI-enabled chatbots will offer 24/7 support for business clients.
Hyper-personalization is migrating from consumer markets to B2B as well, with deeper data insights driving tailored experiences for clients and their customers. In two to five years, customer experience will evolve through advanced analytics and deeper understanding of client ecosystems, allowing more precise product and service matches.
Looking ahead, augmented reality (AR) could redefine B2B engagement by letting clients visualize products in their environments, aiding decision-making for complex purchases. AR will also support training and equipment maintenance, boosting efficiency and effectiveness. Smart business assistants, operating as corporate-focused tools, will handle tasks such as document printing by voice, invoice processing, and even business development modeling through AI collaboration.
— What are MTS’s current plans for B2B development?
MTS continues to explore new avenues to sustain growth in both the company and its B2B segment. In 2023, strategic acquisitions expanded the portfolio: the MTS Link unit acquired Jespo, a platform for creating online dashboards for collaborative remote work, and SKAI, which develops IT solutions for large fleets. The alignment of Green Point Group’s geoservices with MTS activities was completed, strengthening the overall offering. The roadmap for 2024 prioritizes enhancements to the B2B online storefront to help businesses identify suitable solutions more quickly.