Two major networks vendors, two SON (self-optimizing networks) acquisitions – with very different outcomes. Cisco is rumored to be slashing its RAN team, which includes its Intucell acquisition; while Nokia has already launched the first product since completing its takeover of Eden Rock. Just two months after that deal was finalized, Nokia has unveiled the Nokia Eden-NET product, which integrates features from the Finnish vendor’s existing iSON Manager with Eden Rock’s existing Eden-NET. This sees the company making good on promises to acquire strategically important technologies to strengthen its LTE-Advanced and software-driven platforms, while strengthening its readiness for 5G and full virtualization. Of course, the proposed takeover of Alcatel-Lucent is a giant, and risky, example of this quest for advanced…