Enterprise communications systems, software and services provider
Avaya Data Solutions launched a new data networking platform, Virtual
Enterprise Network Architecture, designed to deliver a
simplified end-to-end connectivity solution between users and their
content. The Virtual Services platform is a hardware platform that
delivers high levels of performance, scalability and high-speed port
density and the Ethernet routing switch 8000 series provides medium to
large enterprises with enhanced levels of performance and reliability
designed for core, wiring closet and data center applications.
In addition, the Avaya Data Solutions Management toolset provides
unified management capabilities across data and voice
networks—including switches, routers and call servers, and the WLAN
8011 Series combines access points, controllers and management
software. The architecture features a Virtual Services Fabric that
spans the entire network and enables one-touch provisioning for a range
of capabilities provided by Virtual Services Networks.
"Enterprises today are asking for more than just choice when looking at
networking solutions. They clearly need solutions that will empower IT
to quickly respond to changing business requirements, improve time to
service, while simplifying their network and reducing costs," said Mark
Fabbi, a vice president and distinguished analyst with Gartner. "Enabling the agile enterprise requires a new way of
approaching network architecture. It requires a new level of synergy
between collaborative real-time applications, the virtualized data
center environment and the underlying, enabling network."
VENA's Virtual Services Fabric is built on IEEE Shortest Path Bridging,
is implemented on new data center modular and fixed platforms in
addition to being a simple upgrade option for existing products and
also includes tools for management of a virtualized environment. The
new architecture is supported by the Virtual Services Platform 9000
(Avaya VSP 9000), a platform that has been architected to scale in
support of emerging 40/100G technologies.
"Avaya's VENA architecture is radically different conceptually," said
Kevin Schukraft, manager of network technology for Kutztown University
in Pennsylvania. "We actually have the Avaya VSP 9000 working well in
limited production today as we continue with our roadmap to fully
deploy the technology. From an operational standpoint, it consolidates
systems, reduces footprint and decreases the risk of downtime, which is
critical for us as we support round-the-clock student activity. And, it
positions us to keep up with new app demands of our tech-savvy
students."
Zeus Kerravala, senior vice president and distinguished research fellow
with analytics firm Yankee Group, said their research shows human error
accounts for 37 percent of all network downtime – the single biggest
factor in network disruption. “VENA reduces costs and improves time to
service by providing a more efficient way to manage the connectivity
between users and their content,” he said. “The new architecture also
reduces risks for CIOs by providing new, streamlined tools for network
management, IT agility and simplifies the process of provisioning and
policy configurations."
Virtualization 
