Orange’s Easy Go Network uses SDN to power VNFs as part of its network-as-a-service model focused on the enterprise market.
Virtualized platforms targeting the enterprise space continue to pop up all over the world, with the latest effort coming from France’s Orange, which through its Orange Business Services division launched its ambitiously named Easy Go Network service.
The carrier noted the network-as-a-service platform is designed to provide virtualized network functions using software-defined networking technology. For enterprise customers, the platform is said to allow for instant provisioning of VNFs for branch offices with digital self-service ordering, customer care and reporting functions using an embedded portal.
For those branches a plug-and-play router is included in a move said to eliminate the need for professional installation services, with network functions designed to be up and running within minutes. Orange claims the Easy Go Network can support the automated launch of digital services and a consistent end-user experience.
The service, which has been tested in a year-long trial, is set to be available in 75 countries by the end of the year. Initial services are to include application awareness running in a virtual enterprise firewall based on Fortinet Security Fabric technology, with additional virtualized functions including application optimization and Wi-Fi management set to launch next year.
“We are using an open-standards based approach to develop our SDN and [network functions virtualization] strategy, and we are planning to launch a universal [consumer premise equipment] for larger sites next year,” explained Pierre-Louis Biaggi, VP for Orange Business Services’ Connectivity Business Unit, in a statement. “Our ultimate goal is an adaptive network, which we will bring to our customers within the next three years.”
Service models are being offered on a month-to-month contract, which is said to provide additional flexibility for enterprises looking to tap into the platform.
Orange earlier this year became the first operator to join AT&T’s software-focused enhanced control, orchestration, management and policy platform, noting it planned to work with AT&T ECOMP in developing broader support for the platform. Orange said at the time it was looking to follow-up the lab test with a field trial as part of its own On-Demand Networks program, which sounds similar to AT&T’s Network On-Demand offering.
Telefonica recently bolstered its move into the virtualized network space through a partnership with Nokia to deploy the vendor’s virtualized router technology in a live network to support the carrier’s enterprise offerings. The deployment involved Telefonica Business Solutions inserting Nokia’s Virtualized Service Router in a provider edge application in a move designed to increase network reach, accelerate deployments of its enterprise virtual private network services and tap into new points of presence.
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