Ciena Platform Sets Up New Business Model for MSPs
Ciena introduced a software solution that establishes a new business model for managed services providers (MSPs). The new virtual services software platform, Agility Matrix, gives providers a more profitable strategy for adding and expanding network services and appliance functionality with a simple web interface and a consumption-based billing model, said Ciena.
The new approach links the managed services model with the virtualization trend. It is designed to modernize the acquisition, distribution, consumption and payment of virtualized network functions (VNF), and allows enterprises to improve performance of all enterprise and cloud-based applications and better manage distributed networks.
The Agility Matrix software includes a VNF Market, an open, online marketplace for a variety of third-party VNFs, and Director, a management and orchestration engine. The virtual network interface is described as similar to an online shopping experience—users can drag and drop items into their carts.
New network services, such as encryption, firewalls and VPNs, can be delivered as managed services in a matter of minutes versus days or weeks, said Ciena. The network specialist is building out its VNF Market, and is currently working with several leading virtual appliance vendors, including BlackRidge Technology, Brocade, Certes Networks, Silver Peak and Spirent Communications.
Ciena also established a new business division, Ciena Agility. This division includes dedicated resources for software development, product line management, product marketing, service and support, sales and business development, and has accountability for delivering network control and application software technologies to help providers deliver an on-demand, consumption-based business services.
Ciena expects the Agility Matrix solution to be generally available in the second quarter of 2015.
Novus Expands Microsoft Lync Portfolio
Continuing to build its Lync services business, Novus, a distributor of telecommunications and IP equipment, has added several Lync-qualified products from leading device and hardware manufacturers to its portfolio. The announcement comes nine months after Novus achieved the Microsoft Gold Communications Competency.
Focusing on voice applications, new products added to Novus’ linecard include AudioCodes’ lineup of Lync-qualified products, including IP phones, gateways and session border controllers; Sennheiser’s latest Lync product, the “puck-shaped” Speakerphone series for personal or small group conferences using a PC, smartphone or tablet; and Numonix’s Lync-based call logging and recording system. Novus carries Lync hardware from more than 10 manufacturers with a full portfolio of IP phones, media gateways, load balancers and Session Initiation Protocol trunks.
HP, Alcatel-Lucent Expand Global Alliance
HP and Alcatel-Lucent have expanded their global alliance to help the largest organizations and service providers build network-enabled, distributed cloud solutions to create business opportunities, offer greater efficiencies and improve customer service. Leveraging the strengths of both companies, the partnership incorporates selected Alcatel-Lucent IP routing and optical products into HP’s existing routing and storage portfolios. Combining these data center and network solutions helps to “reduce complexity, lower OPEX and boost agility to accelerate innovation of new products and services,” the companies said.
The partnership touts increased business agility with new HP storage solutions that deliver fully validated end-to-end business continuity and disaster recovery, enhanced scalability using Alcatel-Lucent IP service routers and next-generation platform offerings.
dinCloud Windows Desktop Service Available on Android Platform
dinCloud’s HTML5-based hosted virtual desktop (HVD) solution, webHVD, is available on Android devices. By expanding the selection of devices on which webHVD can be used, the cloud services provider allows customers to access their workspace regardless of which mobile device is used.
Existing webHVD customers can download the free Android app at the Google Play store by searching “webHVD” from their phones or tablets. WebHVD can also be accessed from Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops through the Google Chrome browser.