Nokia and Juniper Networks are putting network function virtualisation and software defined networking at the heart of a new telco cloud product unveiled today.
The two vendors have teamed up to produce a bundled OpenStack based telcocloud solution, which offers automated app deployment, software defined application connectivity and network management.
The product brings together the Nokia’s Liquid Core product, which offers NFV and telco cloud management, with Juniper’s MetaFabric data centre architecture. The latter includes Juniper’s Contrail NFV and automated cloud network solution, which is built on SDN technology. Juniper said MetaFabric is scalable and will support the creation of new services according to new data.
Nokia said additional functions of its Liquid Core include its network management product and Cloud Application Manager, which it said can be used to build end-to-end solutions such as VoLTE or evolved packet core in the cloud.
As well as the technology solutions, Nokia said it would provide an end to end service to move existing services onto a cloud based network.
Both companies said the new bundled product, which complies with ETSI NFV standards, will optimise cloud networks and decrease the time it takes to bring new products to market.
Peter Jarich, Vice President at Current Analysis, commented: “In the same way that cloud computing transformed the IT industry, telco cloud dynamics are radically changing how mobile operators plan to deploy, operate and manage their networks through virtualisation and software defined networking. Nokia and Juniper’s expanded partnership fits well into this evolution, strengthening the telco cloud ecosystem in the process.”
Meanwhile, Nokia has launched a €71.8 million fund to identify and invest in companies developing new connected car technology.
The vendor’s HERE mapping technology is already deployed in cars made by the likes of Toyota. Michael Halbherr, CEO of HERE, said: “NGP’s Connected Car fund underscores that connectivity is rapidly reshaping what is possible in the car environment.
“We believe that connected cars equipped with precise location awareness and sensor data can become powerful devices capable of helping drivers make sense of the world around them.”
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