Orange and AT&T are trying to speed up the standardisation of software defined networking and network functions virtualisation technologies through a collaboration focusing on customer premises equipment, APIs and virtual network functions.
Both operators said they wanted to strip out the complexity surrounding the deployment of new virtual network services and functions to take advantage of more agile and flexible networks.
They said they wanted to work with standardisation bodies to develop common standards and interfaces, By doing so, they said the industry would benefit from simpler technological integration, operational efficiency and reduced running costs.
By creating common specifications for premises-based devices, the telcos said customer premises equipment could work in different environments and with different network function software providers.
Another focus of the partnership will be on the streamlining of the onboarding process for virtual network functions. They said that by creating common guidelines and templates, the ecosystem will mature and make it more of a “plug and play” process.
Finally they said that developing standardised APIs would create interoperable SDN architectures, which would make the deployment of services and functions quicker.Â
Didier Duriez, Senior Vice President, Global Solutions, Orange Business Services, said: “Everyone benefits when network services and functions are designed around a common ecosystem that is delivered on open platforms. Innovation can happen faster and more easily, and this model will also help improve reliability and security.”
Roman Pacewicz, Senior Vice President, Offer Management and Service Integration, AT&T Business Solutions, said: “We’re committed to defining a framework that will accelerate the adoption of SDN. Driving the industry toward a standardised approach will reduce the cost and complexity created by proprietary implementation of equipment in the network and on the customer premise.”