The big networking vendors used to compete generationally like companies in other fields (think GE and Lockheed with Jet Engines). This is still the case and two of the dominant vendors, NSN and Ericsson, have great current generation products.
The question is: will the next be the same as the last one, or will the next network be different?
From my knowledge of the industry, I can tell you that the client demands are changing and now would be the best time to unload NSN, at the height of their value cycle.
If you're pessimistic about NSN's long-term network strategy, sell. If You believe they've got it figured out, why would you sell your cash cow?
Disclaimer: I work at 2600hz, the cloud telecom company. We work with a number of infrastructure companies to design cloud telecom applications and deploy them on things like aws.
The chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE lowered the margins and really shook the market some years ago.
Personally, I don't imagine a bright future for those companies. So I'm with the selling strategy. I worked at a competitor of those companies based in Brazil. The scenario wasn't pretty when I left.
Nokia is actually in a situation similar to Sony - it owns part of Nokia Siemens Networks, which is now a major cash cow. Selling handsets could become a sideshow for Nokia.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142412788732350100457839...