Dell EMC partners German firm ADVA to bulk up Virtual Edge Platform services

US-based Dell EMC has expanded its multi-function networking device Virtual Edge Platform (VEP) by partnering ADVA Optical Networking SE’s Ensemble software, which will deliver a choice of more than 50 virtual network functions (VNFs). The collaboration with the Munich-based telecommunications company enables software choice for the VEP, supporting a wide variety of VNFs including virtual firewall, wide area network (WAN) optimisation, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual test, voice, wireless and many others.            

“There is a real need among service providers and enterprises to update network operations to address distributed and cloud-based applications and capitalise on changing economics enabled by cloud models,” said Tom Burns, senior vice-president, networking and service provider solutions, Dell EMC.

The universal customer premises equipment (uCPE) uses software-defined architecture, open networking and virtualisation to improve network access.

Organisations such as service providers can get the benefits of the cloud and accelerate their digital transformation goals. This approach helps them take advantage of new market opportunities more quickly, flexibly and efficiently. 

“Combined with our high-performance Ensemble Connector NFVi software, it provides an open architecture to support multiple simultaneous VNFs. By connecting the enterprise edge to the cloud, it provides unrivalled choice, drives growth and significantly improves end-user experience,” said James Buchanan, general manager, edge cloud at ADVA.

Further, built with advanced intelligence for network virtualisation, the Dell EMC VEP provides an open Intel architecture-based platform to support multiple simultaneous VNFs. The modular design includes room to grow with front panel expandability so the platform can be easily upgraded or serviced in the field as needed.

Burns also said, “By infusing Open Networking into access networks to the cloud with the VEP family, Dell EMC can help customers modernise infrastructure and transform operations while automating service delivery and processes.”

Under the collaboration, more customers get access to ensemble harmony ecosystem. It is a multi-vendor environment that enables customers to avoid vendor lock-in.

The collaboration consolidates VNF management, including the ensemble connector’s enhanced management and orchestration (MANO) capabilities and streamlines customer deployments and creates a new level of operational simplicity.