NEC Corporation and Telefonica have today an agreement to collaborate in the development of network virtualisation based on SDN (Software-Defined Networking) and NFV (Network Functions Virtualisation) technologies.
Telefonica and NEC Corporation will bring together their technological capabilities and collaborate in a migration scenario study to virtualise the current IP edge network elements. By minimizing the dependence on hardware, virtualisation will bring considerable benefits both to the management of the network and, more importantly, to the end customer. The network’s management will become simple, flexible and enable accelerated service deployment and time to market, while enhancingthe customer’s connectivity experience.
The agreement announced enables both companies to leverage their proven technological strengths and to develop a competitive virtualised network system much faster. As a result, in the first half of 2013, Telefónica and NEC expect to start validating the equipment being tested, including NFV which comprehends virtualised EPC (the core network of the LTE system).
“NEC has proven capabilities in delivering innovative SDN and NFV solutions to Telefónica as part of transforming their networks into a more efficient and scalable “virtualised carrier-grade” solution,” said Mr. Shunichiro Tejima, Senior Vice-President, NEC Corporation.
"A flexible and efficient smart network goes hand-in- hand with enhanced customer experience. For this reason, network virtualisation is a key element within our strategy to innovate data center management and to deliver the best seamless connectivity experience. We are delighted to have NEC on board with us as they are an important partner to develop a set of products based on a unique integration of IT and Networks," said Enrique Blanco, Telefónica Global CTO.
