Verizon Enterprise Solutions unveiled its Virtual Network Service platform targeting SDN and NFV technology for an ‘as-a-service’ model
Verizon Communications’ Enterprise Solutions division launched its Virtual Network Service in its latest move to further its software-defined networking and network functions virtualization technology plans.
The telecom operator said the enterprise-focused platform is designed to support the migration toward a virtual infrastructure model as well as be available to companies worldwide through an “as-a-service” model. Verizon noted the service would enable enterprises to take into account various locations and staffing requirements, network service and bandwidth requirements, and support security needs, which are not possible with current hardware-based platforms.
Specifically, Verizon is touting improved time-to-market due to reduced hardware deployment and software provisioning; lower cost of ownership with a pay-as-you-go pricing model; fully automated managed and orchestration capabilities to support virtual network function service chains using a web portal; and enterprise controlled features and functions as needed.
As for deployment models, Verizon said it will offer three options: premises-based universal customer equipment; a cloud-based virtual CPE service available later this year; and a hybrid version that allows for a mix of premises-based and cloud-based deployments. The company claims support can be delivered across public, private and wireless networks provided by Verizon, other service providers or a combination of multiple providers across multiple networks.
Initial services include security, wide-area network optimization and software-defined wide-area network services. Partners in the program include Cisco Systems, Juniper, Fortinet, Riverbed, Palo Alto and Viptela, with Victoria Lonker, Verizon’s director of product and new business, noting plans to name more vendor partners down the road.
Verizon last year announced SDN plans with five vendors: Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Ericsson, Juniper Networks and Nokia Networks. As part of the announcement, Verizon said it has been working on the move toward virtualized platforms over the past several years, including the creation of live lab environments in San Jose, California; Tampa, Florida; and Waltham, Massachusetts, and claims to have commercial data center environments on both coasts.
The carrier later in the year launched a SD-WAN service using Cisco’s Intelligent WAN technology and targeting enterprise customers. Verizon said the platform supports a better user experience by integrated application optimization designed for faster application performance; enabling secure and certified routing platforms; the use of intelligent path control to fully utilize MPLS and the internet to lower operational costs; and can provision new sites and services faster with a “hybrid WAN to support key business initiatives.”
A recent report from Technology Business Research noted Verizon rival AT&T was furthest along in terms of NFV and SDN deployments, but found Verizon had more recently been highlighting its work on managed SD-WAN, virtual network security solutions and cloud interconnect through its Secure Cloud Interconnect platform.
TBR also cited Verizon for being tough on the vendor community, with the research form noting criticism from Verizon on “incomplete orchestrators, not delivering on multitenant solutions capabilities, providing ‘gray’ boxes (ones that still contain proprietary designs) rather than true commodity white boxes and not fully addressing service assurance.”
TBR also found the carrier has been critical of suppliers charging for “every increment of new software functionality added to” a solution rather than business value from end-customer benefits; and “to understand that delivery options for the solution must be aligned to the service provider’s needs, not the vendor’s.”
Looking ahead, TBR said Verizon’s efforts appear to be targeting support for “5G” technology plans, with indications the carrier is “looking at aligning NFV/SDN to fulfill 5G requirements and planning to move its wireless network services closer to the edge of the network using NFV.”
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