Citing its ability to combine network, cloud, mobility and IT architectures into a converged platform for network services and applications, VMware announced an expanded focus on NFV solutions for communication service providers (CSPs) and telecommunications carriers (telcos) globally.
The company enables a multi-vendor and multi-function NFV platform, based on its Cross-Cloud Architecture, which is OpenStack compatible and supports diverse network functions and applications.
VMware currently has more than 80 NFV production deployments with leading global service providers across all geographies, deployed directly as well as through Network Equipment Provider (NEP) partners and Virtual Network Function (VNF) vendors. Today VMware has certified 24 virtual network functions from 20 vendors as VMware Ready for NFV, with a strong pipeline of additional VNFs awaiting certification.
VMware also announced the promotion of Shekar Ayyar to Executive Vice President and General Manager, Telco Group. Ayyar leads VMware’s effort to accelerate the digital transformation with its Cross-Cloud Architecture and software-defined infrastructure for NFV. Under his leadership the company has executed on several acquisitions including Nicira and AirWatch, and established itself as a leading provider of NFV infrastructure. Prior to joining VMware, Ayyar held senior roles at Lucent Technologies (now part of Nokia), BindView (acquired by Symantec), and Instantis (acquired by Oracle), spanning product management, marketing, and business development, and was also a consultant with McKinsey & Co.
“VMware is in a unique position to enable the transformational benefits of NFV for service providers given its leadership position in virtualization technology,” said Pat Gelsinger, chief executive officer, VMware. “Shekar’s experience as a proven leader, with the right combination of knowledge and strategic thinking, will help expand VMware’s already strong foothold in the Telco market.”
