VMware takes steps to speed up NFV deployment

VMware has announced new programmes and functions to make it quicker and easier for mobile telcos to boost their networks with network functions virtualization (NFV) technology.

Among the initiatives for the V Cloud platform are a new VMware Ready for NFV accreditation programme and new carrier-grade services to be delivered by the vendor and its partners. These offerings and partnerships were unveiled at VMworld 2015 Europe in Barcelona.

The vCloud NFV combines core virtualization and management components in order to speed up NFV deployment, said the vendor. It achieves this by giving the CSPs a unified, multi-vendor and multi-function platform to supports any application through all stages of cloud evolution. The vendor claims it supports 40 virtual network functions from 30 virtualized network functions (VNF) vendors, which will help telco staff to use their existing VMware skills and operational experience.

VMware Virtual SAN is to be integrated into the VMware stack to support the mobile core and IP multi-media system (IMS) functions in order to boost performance. VMware NSX will provide L2/L3 networking features in software to help CSPs benefit from server virtualization at their data centres, the vendor claims.

VMware has also promised CSPs more openness and choice in cloud management, with flexible options for virtual infrastructure management (VIM) through its vCloud Director-SP and Integrated OpenStack features. These, it says, will enable CSPs to self-configure their NFV in order to fine tune applications and prevent bottlenecks.

Other features include load-balancing as a service (LBaaS), an unexplained feature called the Ceilometer and a feature called Heat Auto Scaling, all of which contribute to a more flexible system of management. Another feature, Service Assurance with Day 2 and Ongoing Operations, could give CSPs fully integrated and unified operations tools, according to VMWare.

Meanwhile, the carrier-grade support programme aims to help CSPs reduce the risk of performance degradation and outages. The support will be delivered by VMWare and its partners.

“We double down on our efforts to help CSPs create a consistent infrastructure,” said Shekar Ayyar, general manager of the Telco NFV Group at VMware.