VMware forays into NFV space
Virtualization infrastructure solutions provider VMware has decided to make its entry into the Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) market with a platform that allows service providers to operate their network functions as virtualized applications from different vendors, says Ravi Namboori, a Cisco evangelist.
NFV is a process in which an IT resource, whether a server or an OS, a data storage device or network service, is virtualized to create a virtual version which acts and functions like the original equipment. In other words, there is a virtual resource which through use of various methods creates a similar impact as the actual device.
The VMware vCloud for NFV was unveiled on March 2 at the Mobile World Congress. It will be available in the market sometime soon.
Networkworld.com is quoted as saying that NFV plucks out back-end functions used in managing services and subscribers out of dedicated devices and transforms them into virtualized devices, which are capable of functioning on standard hardware. This process enables carriers to become quicker and slimmer, enabling them to launch new services, which are quicker than usual and are more versatile in the way they operate their networks. It is also equipped to assist in catering to new demands that Internet of things (IoT) brings, adds Ravi Namboori, a former employee with Cisco.
VMware’s move is seen as attempt to compete with telecom companies like Ericsson and AT&T, and IT behemoth Hewlett-Packard that is into creating platforms for carriers. VMware has already revamped networking with its NSX network virtualization product, a move toward transitioning to SDN (software-defined networking). SDN empowers capability into software for traffic-handling equipment like switches and routers. On the other hand, NFV performs a similar operation for functions that are based on networks.
VMware vCloud for NFV integrates NSX, in addition to Virtual SAN for handling storage, the vSphere virtualization system, and VMware vRealize Operations, a cloud management suite. Besides, it has VMware Integrated OpenStack too, adds the Cisco evangelist.
The virtualized network functions that carriers will, however, run on the platform can come from other vendors too.
The carriers¸ which can be provided by the other vendors, will operate on the platform performed by the virtualized network functions. More than 40 virtualized functions from more than 30 vendors are supported.
vCloud for NFV is said to be the first product that runs VNFs from various vendors on the same unified platform for the cloud, according to VMware, says Ravi Namboori, a holder of seven Cisco certifications while concluding.
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