Former AT&T Network Functions on Demand service sprouts new options under the FlexWare brand, targeting enterprise with SDN-based options
AT&T’s Network On Demand platform is sprouting new features as the telecom giant continues to target enterprise customers with its software-based offerings.
The carrier said its previously dubbed Network Functions on Demand service now includes a new device option, enhanced feature functionality and broader reach under the now named FlexWare banner. AT&T said FlexWare is designed to allow business customers to set up multiple virtual network functions on a single device and deploy them in different countries, or manage their network functions using an online portal.
The single-device management is available through either a “small” device said to support up to two VNF applications, which joins the previously offered and still available “larger” version designed to run up to four VNFs. AT&T also noted enterprises can “mix and match” FlexWare devices and applications to meet demand.
Beyond the functionality and device updates, AT&T said it is adding Palo Alto Networks’ security platform to its VNF catalog.
AT&T claims more than 1,700 businesses have signed up for its Network on Demand platform since it was launched. The Ethernet-based service taps virtualization technologies like software-defined networking and network functions virtualization to allow enterprise customers to order more ports, add or change services, scale bandwidth and manage services via an online portal.
AT&T Business Solutions CEO Ralph de la Vega earlier this year noted the company’s NOD platform allowed it to roll out new services across the company in weeks, and companies taking advantage of the service were able to alter, for instance, their network speed in less than 90 seconds.
“There is no need to call a salesperson, there is no need to order equipment, there is no need to set up another connection – it happens in 90 seconds,” de la Vega said. “And what I love about it is my revenue cycle is 90 seconds. That’s a pretty good deal when you can lower [capital expense], [operating expense] and shorten the revenue cycle for your business. So we have now turned up our Network On Demand, we have thousands of customers on it.”
In July, AT&T said it expanded the NOD platform into 76 countries and territories, including parts of the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
A recent report from Technology Business Research noted AT&T was furthest along in terms of virtualization deployments, noting the telecom operator has been aggressive in its deployments, citing its AT&T Integrated Cloud, Network on Demand and its enhanced control, orchestration, management and policy project, which AT&T said is designed to automate network services and infrastructure running in a cloud environment.
“AT&T’s strategy with respect to these initiatives is to gain the benefits of NFV as quickly as possible,” noted TBR executive telecom analyst Michael Sullivan-Trainor. “AT&T hopes to work out the technical options in initial deployments, then scale those deployments across its footprint before finally federating the solution.”
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