AT&T has launched what it calls a “network functions on demand” service across 76 countries and territories, including Australia and New Zealand. According to the operator, the new offering – essentially a network functions virtualisation product – allows businesses to deploy a single “universal piece of equipment” to support virtualised functions anywhere on AT&T’s global footprint. Initially, the platform will support Juniper Networks virtual routing, Cisco virtual router, Fortinet virtual security and Riverbed virtual WAN optimisation services with additional capabilities to be added in the future. “Building networks by deploying network functions in software is a major shift in network design,” said AT&T CEO for business solutions and international Ralph de la Vega.
“We’ve broken through traditional, cost-prohibitive barriers. Our software platform delivers a simple, flexible and efficient experience for any business, virtually anywhere and anytime they need it.”
The NFV product is intended to enable businesses to roll out network elements such as routers and firewalls much faster while simplifying network operations and reducing costs. It is now available across dozens of countries across the Americas, including the US, Argentina, Brazil and Canada; APAC, including ANZ, Japan, Hong Kong, India and Indonesia; and EMEA, including the UK, France, Germany and Denmark.
(This article first appeared on www.commsday.com)
