Etisalat has recently signed an MoU with Intel for the deployment of a standardized, multi-vendor and carrier grade Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) infrastructure. The operator aims to use NFV/SDN to enhance user experience and increase service agility and innovation.
Under the strategic partnership, Intel will share knowledge, provide advice for competence build-up and assessment of NFV/SDN solutions to be deployed within the Etisalat network. The collaboration will enable both parties to utilize Intel technology in the telecom cloud infrastructure deployment, said Etisalat in a statement.
With NFV, Etisalat can virtualise its existing network functions by using customized software to work on common standard hardware, cutting down costs, shortening time to service and creating multi-vendor scalable environment. At the same time, SDN enables the operator to use centralized software to control and automate network functions, services and policies in the cloud, easily replicating required software throughout the network in a flexible and highly efficient approach.
Esmaeel Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President, Network Development at Etisalat
The deployment of NFV/SDN will provide flexibility as well as savings in the long-run, helping us better control and automate network functions and policies. This translates into a dynamic network delivering the latest services, facilitating new technologies deployment and meeting demands of our growing customer base.
Taha Khalifa, Regional General Manager Middle East and North Africa, Intel
NFV and SDN are already demonstrating the ability to transform networks for increased agility and efficiency. Intel is delighted to partner with Etisalat to create a foundation for network transformation that will speed up the deployment of new digital services for businesses and consumers.
