Telecom has taken ‘orchestration-first’ approach with open-source orchestration software to virtualize its network functions in less than one-third the normal time

Cloudify and VMware Inc. are helping Partner Communications implement a novel approach to network functions virtualization (NFV) that has resulted in a rapid conversion to NFV and a reduction in cost-per-customer to deliver network services.

Partner Communications, a leading Israeli Telco group, selected Cloudify and VMware to launch its new vCPE and SD-WAN solution called V-NET. Based on the open-source TOSCA standard, V-NET was delivered through a unique, cloud-native approach to network service orchestration using an agile/incremental approach referred to as “orchestration first.”

The approach focuses on designing and deploying the NFV orchestration and automation capabilities first atop the company’s existing network infrastructure (physical or virtual). New virtualized network services can then be deployed in days or weeks rather than months.

To date, most approaches to NFV adoption follow a process in which a new, virtual infrastructure is built from the ground up to replace the existing physical network functions. Then, virtualized network functions are deployed atop the new infrastructure.

Finally, the critical components of orchestration and automation are added prior to launching the new NFV services. This process typically takes 12-18 months and involves multiple cycles of vendor selection, internal training and POCs.

Cloudify and VMware delivered to Partner Communications the solution very quickly. The team first deployed automation for the manual steps of setting up and configuring physical network functions and firewall services on Partner Communications’ existing VMware platform.

This new “orchestration first” approach takes advantage of a collaboration between Cloudify and VMware that accelerates NFV adoption. Users of Cloudify with VMware vCloud NFV can deploy new VNFs over their hybrid cloud deployments, automating lifecycle management. They also can correlate information gathered from both software platforms to deliver improved performance and utilization of the underlying hardware.

The approach enabled Partner Communications’ operational team to employ pluggable open VNFs. These were easily integrated with existing billing and activation services. As a result, Partner was able to move V-NET to production in less than six months. V-NET provides a complete self-service experience for managing its network services.