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Cisco Adds New Service Management Tool to SDN/NFV Orchestration Platform

Cisco Adds New Service Management Tool to SDN/NFV Orchestration Platform Image Credit: Cisco

At the recent TM Forum Live!, Cisco introduced a new network service management tool to its Evolved Services Platform (ESP), its Software-Define-Networking (SDN) & Network Function Virtualization (NFV) orchestration platform. The new Cisco Evolved Programmable Network (EPN) Manager, a unified network service management tool, is a key component of Cisco's full multi-layer network service lifecycle management solution.  When working in a complementary manner with the Cisco WAN Automation Engine, the new Cisco EPN Manager enables design, provision and assurance capabilities to optimize management in an automated and real-time manner.

According to Cisco, the EPN Manager accelerates the transition to an SDN and NFV-based programmable network architecture that spans both physical and virtual elements by utilizing a unique model-driven architecture and a clear separation of content, platform and devices.  Covering multiple network service domains, including packet optical transport, carrier Ethernet, service provider Wi-Fi, and data center, the EPN Manager is purpose-built to meet the future requirements of service providers for achieving automation and agility.

Cisco said that the initial version targets fast-growing optical and Ethernet applications, with additional capabilities scheduled for subsequent releases. The company added that the new service management tool boasts state-of-the-art user interface featuring dynamic geographic maps, along with 3D and correlated multi-layer service traces for enhanced visibility and troubleshooting to enhance the customer experience by more rapidly identifying the source of a problem and reducing the overall mean-time-to repair.

JL Valente, vice president of product management for Cisco's cloud and virtualization group
We are enabling the seamless convergence of optical and packet, as well as physical and virtual properties within the network.  And we'll be able to do this from the customer site or service provider Wi-Fi access point, down to the data center application, with complete fault traceability. Service providers are excited to utilize this simple design and unified experience with a software architecture that can rapidly support new features, new technologies, and new devices.

Dana Cooperson, Research Director, Network Software and Virtualisation, Analysys Mason
Multi-layer real-time management solutions such as Cisco EPN Manager will enable carriers to increase business agility and operational efficiencies through automated device operations, fast provisioning and service assurance. The ability to manage both physical and virtual elements is also critical to carrier deployment of NFV technologies.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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