Looking to jump into the next generation of networking technology, Verizon is working with Cisco Relevant Products/Services, Juniper Networks, Nokia Networks, and Alcatel-Lucent to deploy a software-defined network (SDN) architecture.

Essentially, Verizon is laying the groundwork for operational efficiencies that will set the stage for faster delivery of new services and applications. SDNs make it possible for network admins to manage network services more dynamically and cost-effectively. It’s a perfect solution for high-bandwidth applications in the telecom industry.

“This will become the foundation for innovative, new Verizon services and applications,” said John Chambers, Cisco chairman and CEO. “Both companies share a vision to transform the entirety of the network architecture to achieve the speed and operational efficiency required to meet the needs of today, as well as capture the growth opportunities to monetize with the Internet of Everything over the next decade and beyond."

Adapting Faster

Verizon is not the first carrier to drive a software-centric architecture, but the company does have a history of staying on the cutting edge. This move should help Verizon keep up with the cloud Relevant Products/Services-based competition.

"Cloud technologies hold the promise for true innovation in our industry,” said Rajeev Suri, Nokia president and CEO. Verizon and its partners have co-authored an SDN network architecture document that includes all interface specifications and reference architectures and requirements for the control layer and forwarding box functions. This sets the stage for the development of solutions to drive the business and technical benefits of a SDN-enabled network.

“Network innovation is fundamental to deploying highly scalable, secure and efficient cloud environments that adapt in real time,” said Rami Rahim, CEO of Juniper Networks. Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent execs also chimed in on the possibilities for SDN technology to help Verizon instantly adapt to the needs of businesses and consumers.

Old School Competition

We asked Zeus Kerravala, principal analyst at ZK Research, for his thoughts on Verizon’s SDN initiative. He told us the name of the game in the cloud era is speed because it means the ability to deliver services faster.

“When you think historically about the original telecom model every service -- mobile networks, DSL, cable -- always required the build out of a whole new network,” Kerravala said. “That’s why the old cost structure forced operators like Verizon to dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’ before they rolled out any new service. The risk [of failure] was so high.”

In the cloud era, where everything is running over IP and IT agility is the baseline, Kerravala said consumers expect more services delivered faster. Companies like Amazon and Facebook are throwing out new services left and right and carriers need to keep up.

“You need to have the ability to experiment and deliver services fast. That requires an underlying SDN framework,” Kerravala said. “This is an important initiative if Verizon is going to keep up with the cloud providers. This is absolutely necessary. Verizon cannot compete in this new digital technology with old school telecom technology. It just won’t work.”