Oracle has introduced the new Oracle Communications Network Service Orchestration Solution, which is designed to enable communications service providers (CSPs) to more quickly create new network services to respond to market demand. The solution is designed to help CSPs reduce service development and management costs as they introduce virtualized network capabilities—the beginning of a transformation to network function virtualization (NFV) that will simplify their networks and minimize dependence on expensive, inflexible proprietary hardware.
According to Oracle, the solutionn will provide CSPs the ability to rapidly deploy and scale network services on demand across multiple virtual network functions (VNFs) in complex virtualized and hybrid network environments. The solution is part of the company's intelligent orchestration framework, a holistic approach that guides CSPs as they adopt NFV technology and helps them to maximize its benefits.
Oracle said that the solution leverages open standards including RESTful (web service) application programming interfaces (APIs) for integration with other management and orchestration components, such as the previously released Oracle Communications Application Orchestrator or third-party VNF managers and virtualized infrastructure managers.
Dimitris Mavrakis, principal analyst, Ovum
While network virtualization promises to streamline operations in the long run, the short-term effect actually may be an increase in complexity when configuring and managing hybrid networks. This will require sophisticated orchestration of network services, network functions, and underlying infrastructure enriched by analytics and triggered by policy rules. Such a holistic approach to orchestration, like the one outlined by Oracle, is critical for CSPs to deliver the anticipated business benefits from their NFV investments.
Barry Hill, global head of NFV, Oracle Communications
CSPs are taking the first steps toward network virtualization—something they know they must do to compete for the long-term. This is a journey, not just a moment in time, which is why we have outlined an end-to-end intelligent orchestration framework. Our approach will provide CSPs with the business and service agility required to make progress toward full NFV. With our new Oracle Communications Network Service Orchestration solution, we are continuing to deliver on our vision for NFV.
