SUSE® has joined the Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV) project, a carrier-grade, integrated open source platform that is accelerating the introduction of new products and services using network functions virtualization (NFV). The addition of NFV capabilities enhances SUSE's software-defined data center offerings, including OpenStack-based cloud infrastructure and Ceph-based software-defined storage.
"SUSE is extending what we've been doing for years in the mission-critical compute, OpenStack cloud and enterprise storage spaces, bringing carrier-grade technology and service to the software-defined data center," said Nils Brauckmann, president and general manager of SUSE. "Our engagement with the OPNFV project as a platinum member will help accelerate the NFV platform for partners and customers alike."
SUSE solutions, including SUSE Linux Enterprise, SUSE OpenStack Cloud and SUSE Enterprise Storage, will incorporate NFV capabilities, helping communications technology partners develop and deliver their next-generation services on a robust open source technology platform. In addition, these efforts will directly benefit enterprise customers needing carrier-grade capabilities in their next-generation software-defined data centers.
Al Gillen, group vice president for Enterprise Infrastructure at IDC, said, "Interest in software-defined infrastructure is growing quickly, and leading telecom service providers see network functions virtualization as a critical element of a complete software-defined infrastructure strategy. Given SUSE's deep experience in community-based development through its contributions to Linux, KVM, Ceph and other open source projects, we expect that SUSE's participation in OPNFV will deliver a positive impact on the project's maturation."
SUSE is already actively engaged in many of the upstream projects related to the OPNFV architecture:
- The OpenStack Neutron project for network virtualization within cloud infrastructure as a service. OpenStack is the foundation of SUSE OpenStack Cloud.
- The Linux kernel via the IO Visor project for modern IO and networking applications.
- The Ceph project for software-defined storage. Ceph is the basis for SUSE Enterprise Storage.
- The KVM hypervisor project for Linux virtualization infrastructure. SUSE was the first commercial Linux distribution to ship with KVM.
- Open vSwitch, which is included with SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- Current IPv6 Ready and USGv6 certifications for SUSE Linux Enterprise.
"OPNFV channels open source software development to unify a diverse range of industry players through a common platform for NFV," said Heather Kirksey, director, OPNFV. "SUSE's extensive experience in open source, enterprise software and quality engineering and service will be a great boost to the project and to open source NFV."
About SUSE
SUSE, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, interoperable Linux, cloud infrastructure and storage solutions that give enterprises greater control and flexibility. More than 20 years of engineering excellence, exceptional service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed—today and tomorrow. For more information, visit suse.com.