The introduction of virtualized network functions (VNFs) on common IT-based infrastructures in large-scale communications networks is proving to be a network operations game changer. Once restricted by proprietary network equipment, virtualization is driving evolution from a traditional business operations approach to an architecture designed for what customers want to buy.
The evolution is well under way and will support business goals more effectively.
A new PlanScape report from International Data Corporation (IDC) outlines the IT operations architecture transition to virtualized networks and the opportunities it represents.
“The business experience and benefits derived from virtualized server infrastructure are key to this network transition,” said Elisabeth Rainge, vice president, Communications Service Provider Operations. “Networking functions require a complex set of algorithms for sub-millisecond decisions and response times. However, the engine for making many of those decisions and executing them on the network is shifting from proprietary network processor hardware to the compute platform that IT operations teams have been working on for many years.”
The new IDC PlanScape offers a unique decision making tool to help IT professionals plan the evolution of the IT operations architecture to virtualized networks. It helps to assure business value from technology by establishing a business case, identifying risk factors, and outlining critical success factors.
Additional insights from the IDC PlanScape include the following:
Network virtualization drives the urgency for change because it opens up software levers in the infrastructure that benefit customers, partners, and internal teams.
Network virtualization is creating new relationships among business, infrastructure, and operations teams across many companies.
Networking equipment has already begun to migrate to commercial server platforms.
The report, IDC PlanScape: IT Operations Architecture for Virtualized Networks (IDC #256840), offers clear guidance about how to evolve from an OSS/BSS approach driven by network features to an architecture suited to common IT-based infrastructure platforms and capable of supporting business goals more effectively.
It details the key stakeholders and their roles, responsibilities, and actions required to initially accommodate and, later, to derive business value from network virtualization.
IDC PlanScape reports help to assure business value is recognized from technology by developing a technology initiative that is aligned with business goals, scoped to succeed, and properly resourced.
By helping technology leaders make the case for a technology initiative, recognize unique resource requirements, and identify risk factors, IDC PlanScapes mitigate the greatest risks associated with technology initiatives.