VMware bolsters its position in CSP service assurance with agreement to buy Dell EMC’s service assurance suite, team
VMware has agreed to buy Dell EMC’s service assurance software for network performance monitoring and root-cause analysis in communications service provider networks, saying that the capabilities will help hasten deployments of virtualized network functions. VMware is also acquiring the Dell EMC team that works on CSP service assurance and says that the purchase of the tools and team “demonstrates VMware’s growing commitment to the telecommunications industry.”
The Dell EMC Service Assurance Suite will be added to VMware’s Telco NFV portfolio, and VMware said that the combined abilities “[equip] CSPs with the ability to maintain operational reliability in their core network, cloud, and IT domains across physical and virtual infrastructure—enabling them to operationalize competitive new services faster.” VMware said that more than 50 CSPs around the world, including Tier 1 operators, already use Dell EMC’s service assurance offering to enable new services for their customers.
VMware said that once the deal closes, it will leverage the automated root cause analysis management offered by Dell EMC’s solution to help its customers with end-to-end service assurance for virtualized network functions and preparation for 5G.
While CSPs are moving to virtualize their networks, VMware said, their efforts are being stymied by a lack of effective root cause analysis. “This is an increasingly important area of focus, given the rapid changes happening in operator networks as they deploy 4G services like Voice over LTE and prepare for 5G-driven advanced applications supporting IoT, artificial intelligence, machine learning and augmented reality/virtual reality.”
In terms of the personnel that will be joining VMware, the company described Dell EMC’s team as “a deep bench of talent with engineering expertise and 10+ years of customer relationships.”
“Upon the deal closing, VMware plans to invest in growing the capabilities of the platform as a key component in the Telco NFV portfolio and focusing on modernization and intelligent automation,” VMware said, adding that . “After the deal closes, Dell EMC customers will continue to have access to the Dell EMC Service Assurance Suite’s solutions pursuant to a commercial reseller agreement in place between VMware and Dell EMC.”
“As carriers are readying for 5G, they are increasingly virtualizing edge and core networks with network functions virtualization, or NFV. Service assurance is a critical need for any network. The Dell EMC Service Assurance Suite’s established software and services capabilities, combined with VMware’s trademark innovation, will empower CSPs to modernize and accelerate the transformation of their networks through NFV upon closing,” said Shekar Ayyar, executive vice president for strategy and corporate development for VMware, as well as the GM of its Telco NFV Group, in a statement. “The Dell EMC Service Assurance Suite team is primed to accelerate our NFV business and help drive it forward with unprecedented service assurance.”
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