VMware’s vCloud NFV will form part of Vodafone’s group-wide network transformation project, which will introduce NFV and software defined networking technologies into its network.
vCloud NFVis an ETSI-compliant modular, multi-tenant NFV platform that supports choice in virtual infrastructure management, allowing Vodafone to deploy multiple applications and services swiftly.
"Vodafone's selection of VMware to support network transformation highlights how we are a proven, strategic software innovator that can help communications service providers successfully deliver new services faster while driving down costs," said Shekar Ayyar, executive vice president and general manager, telco Group at VMware.
"Our vCloud NFV platform is an agile and flexible virtualized infrastructure platform. Combined with Carrier-Grade Support, this will provide Vodafone with an open platform for new service development today, with an architecture that will support 5G deployments in the future."
For Vodafone, NFV offers an opportunity to create a more agile network infrastructure whilst also giving the UK-based telco the flexibility to deploy new services more efficiently.
It recently announced a partnership with IBM for hybrid cloud capabilities that also leverages the latter’s relationship with VMware, meaning enterprises can now move their VMware-based workloads from the Vodafone Hosted Private Cloud to the IBM Cloud.
"Virtualized, cloud-native network functions are a critical element of our Group-wide program as we continue to transform how we build, operate and evolve our networks and services," said Fran Heeran, Vodafone Group's head of network virtualisation.
"Reducing the time and cost to deploy and operate services, utilizing automation and convergence in standardized cloud environments for our network and IT businesses is a critical part of our technology and operational transformation strategy."