Oracle states updated Application Orchestrator simplifies NFV and SDN deployments
Oracle Communications released an update to its Application Orchestrator platform that it said makes it easier for telecom operators to deploy and manage network functions in a hybrid environment.
The update is said to include support for deploying and managing physical network functions and virtual network functions; deploying and managing composite network functions; and can integrate with third-party VNFs using a plug-in development kit that includes an interface designed to help onboard and deploy VNFs and lifecycle management services.
Oracle noted the update follows up on the initial launch of its orchestrator platform in 2014, which rolled out under the pretense of reducing deployment times for operators looking at network functions virtualization and software-defined networking technologies. The company has since launched a number of NFV- and SDN-based products, including an orchestrator update earlier this year.
“As CSPs adopt SDN and NFV-based networks, their management systems will have to change, too,” said Caroline Chappell, principal analyst for NFV and cloud at Heavy Reading, in a statement released by Oracle. “CSPs want a common network function manager to ease this transition by managing the lifecycle of any network function, regardless of vendor, or whether the function is physically or virtually implemented. Such a capability can help CSPs automate network function configuration and management, reducing the manual and error-prone processes that are currently typical.”
Orchestration remains one of the main hurdles to the continued development and deployment of NFV by telecom operators. A recent report from Infonetics Research found data center orchestration software was one of the biggest opportunities for both incumbent and third-party vendors.
RCR Wireless News recently released a feature report on the importance of service orchestration in support of wireless software advances that can be downloaded here, as well as conducted an accompanying webinar on the topic that can be viewed here.
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