SUSE Embraces Open Source NFV for Software-Defined Data Center Offerings

SUSE LLC. 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 company’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 GM, SUSE. “Our engagement with the OPNFV project as a platinum member will help accelerate the NFV platform for partners and customers alike.“

Company’s 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, VP, enterprise infrastructure, 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.“

The company is actively engaged in many of upstream projects
related to OPNFV architecture:

• The OpenStack Neutron project for network virtualization within cloud infrastructure as a service. OpenStack is the foundation of company’s 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 firm’s Enterprise Storage.

• The KVM hypervisor project for Linux virtualization infrastructure. The company was the first commercial Linux distribution to ship with KVM.

• Open vSwitch, which is included with firm’s Linux Enterprise.

• Current IPv6 Ready and USGv6 certifications for 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.“