Telefónica has chosen HP to be the technology provider and systems integrator of its UNICA virtualisation project.
The Spain-based operator will deploy the vendor’s OpenNFV platform stack, comprising server, software, orchestration and networking technologies.
Among the features of the stack are a converged infrastructure, allowing operators to run virtual functions over a network, HP’s Helion CloudSystem, for building and running NFV cloud platforms, an NFV director that implements ETSI-standard orchestration functions and an SDN virtualisation solution.
Telefónica said by virtualising its network it will make it quicker to upgade its network and launch new services. HP will work with the operator to prepare its current network to be NFV and SDN ready.
Enrique Blanco, Global CTO of Telefonica, said: “For Telefónica, UNICA is just the first step for a wide and ambitious vision which results in the best experience for our customers. We are starting here with HP, not just a new way to deploy networks, even more, a new way to deploy services all based in cloud.”
UNICA was first announced at Mobile World Congress last year, with the operator then saying it planned to virtualise 30 percent of its new network functions by 2016.
The operator has embarked on a three step programme to realise this, initially virtualising non-critical systems such as IP Media Subsystem. It will then virtually transform core networks like Evolved Packet Core for LTE before finally virtualising critical systems like its Home Subscriber Server and Home Location Register.
Saar Gillai, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Network Functions Virtualization, HP, said: “Telefónica was one of the first to realize NFV’s potential to transform its network to meet growing customer demands and increasing competitive pressures. Telefónica’s UNICA initiative and HP’s OpenNFV Platform – both launched just one year ago – represent real progress in making the transformation to NFV and together will serve as an important point of reference for the telecommunications industry.”
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