At Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain, VMware has debuted VMware vCloud for NFV, an integrated Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) platform that will combine VMware’s virtualized compute, networking, storage and management solutions with integrated OpenStack support.
With support for more than 40 different virtual network functions (VNFs) from more than 30 vendors, VMware vCloud for NFV is a platform that runs different VNFs from different vendors side by side on the same unified platform for the cloud. With vCloud for NFV, communication service providers (CSPs) would be enabled to deploy NFV solutions into production on a proven platform to achieve faster time to market for new and differentiated services while driving sustainable cost reductions.
The VMware vCloud NFV Platform features VMware vSphere – VMware’s compute virtualization solution for the cloud; VMware NSX – a full network virtualization platform that delivers the entire networking and security model from L2-L7 in software; VMware Virtual SAN – software-defined storage that would reduce storage CapEx and OpEx; and VMware vRealize Operations – an extensible cloud management solution which will deliver purpose-built management packs to meet the unique requirements of CSPs. The platform will include full OpenStack compatibility through VMware Integrated OpenStack.
VMware Integrated OpenStack will offer a fast route to service innovation by combining the agility of OpenStack with the resiliency and maturity of VMware’s portfolio of best-in-class compute, networking, storage and management components. With VMware vCloud for NFV, CSPs will be able to take a phased approach to adopting OpenStack.
“We share a belief with VMware that NFV represents a truly disruptive technology that is capable of re-defining the way mobile networks are built today,” said Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO of VMware partner Affirmed Networks, based in Acton, Massachusetts. “With more than 20 deployments and 40 trials currently underway with global operators, we are committed to providing our customers with the most flexible and reliable solutions available. We have partnered with VMware to deliver today’s only production NFV solution that allows mobile operators to improve their cost-structure, streamline their operations and significantly accelerate their service creation capabilities as they continue to deploy this truly transformational technology worldwide.”
The vCloud for NFV platform is available today, with VMware Integrated OpenStack scheduled to be available in the platform Q1 2015.
