NTT Communications is preparing to enhance its Arcstar global VPN service with a new Universal One Virtual Option which will allow users to create, use and control overlay networks on-demand via existing corporate networks or the Internet using software-defined network (SDN) technology. NTT Com will be the first carrier to offer such a service.
Arcstar Universal One Virtual Option, which will debut in March 2014, initially will be available in 21 countries, including Japan, the US, Singapore, the UK, Hong Kong, Germany and Australia, eventually expanding to 30 countries. Reservations will be accepted from in March 2014.
The new SDN capability will enable one or more flexible, secure, low-cost, on-demand networks to be created simply by installing an application on a PC, smartphone or similar device, or by using an adapter. User will not need to change IP addresses. An NTT Communications Business Portal will use provide management and operation of newly created virtual networks.
NTT Communications said the SDN flexibility will be especially efficient in cases such as a business consolidation or intercompany project,where customer can expect to reduce costs by up to 60% and shorten the configuration period by up 80% compared to the conventional establishment of a dedicated gateway and reassignment of IP addresses to connect to a common server from a different network environment (NTT Com estimates are based on integrating 100 locations with two virtual private networks and overlapping IP addresses).
The service application will be free to download and will cost JPY 250 per month to use. The dedicated adapter will cost JPY 15,000 and JPY 1,500 per month to use (prices exclude 5% consumption tax, which will change to 8% from April 1, 2014).
