Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has partnered with Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) to expand its Virtual Network Services (VNS) for business. The company announced the launch of Cisco’s 5000 Series Enterprise Network Compute System (ENCS). The purpose-built platform will be included in Verizon’s catalog of virtual network functions and service chains.
Allowing Users To Replace Traditional Network Devices Easily
The update is designed for Verizon Business customers that prefer a Cisco ecosystem. The VNS portfolio will allow customers replace traditional network devices like switches, firewall, and routers with VNFs. VNFs can be managed and orchestrated from a central location. VNFs will reduce or remove the need for manual intervention and help speed up customers’ digital network transformation. It will also increase flexibility and make the company agile in responding to changing business needs.
Service providers have, in the past, struggled with adding new types of VNFs from other vendors. On the other hand, vendors have complained of the high costs and time it takes to create VNFs for each service provider. To remove friction around VNFs, OPNFV in the new update has been placed close to the Common NFVI Telco Taskforce (CNTT). This will help speed up the installation of VNFs that meet each service provider’s requirements through a verification program.
Verizon working towards adding more VNFs
By working with Cisco, Verizon will be better placed to add more VNFs to its catalog easily. In addition, the purpose-built platform for NFV will allow better management of VNFs. The remote provisioning of virtual network functions makes it possible for channel partners to easily and immediately launch. This is especially important for enterprises during the COVID-19 when visiting customer sites is difficult.
Six months ago, Cisco announced plans for a new strategy to guide its approach to networking. The new strategy was unveiled when the company launched its new networking silicon architecture called Cisco Silicon One. The new software will be available to third-party companies that boost their networking infrastructure. Cisco also unveiled the new Cisco 8000 router platform that will help enterprises keep costs as low as possible when setting up and operating large-scale networks.
