Service providers, enterprises targets of IBM’s SDN, virtualization, automation centers
IBM is set to open a pair of “network innovation centers” designed to allow clients to take software-defined networking, virtualization and analytics-driven automation technologies and services for a spin.
The centers will be located in Dallas and Nice, France, and are set to focus on solutions for larger enterprise networking systems and telecommunications operators. IBM explains that the test centers will be operated by IBM GTS Networking Services and allow for clients to “test and experience” network technologies from the company as well as partners, which includes Brocade, Cisco Systems, Citrix, Juniper Networks, Riverbed and VMware.
IBM noted the testing will allow for demonstrations of automation and orchestration among different IT systems and networks, which can show operational advantages for service providers and enterprises. Those expected advantages have become known to include lower operational costs and the ability to more quickly roll out new services.
“Effectively applying cloud technologies to the network could allow a company to reduce its overall network capacity while increasing utilization by dynamically providing resources during the day in Beijing while it’s nighttime in New York, and vice versa,” said Pete Lorenzen, GM of networking services at IBM Global Technology Services, in a statement. “Or a telecom company could better manage periodic, localized spikes in smartphone usage caused by major sporting events or daily urban commutes, dynamically provisioning capacity when and where it’s needed.”
Taking advantage of the virtualization focus, IBM said clients will be able to access the test center capabilities either on site or remotely, and can “bridge the capabilities of the two centers simultaneously to custom design solutions to meet the specific needs of the environments.”
IBM late last year announced a cloud service under its Smarter Planet initiatives designed to allow developers to extend an Internet-connected device into the cloud with insight allowing for data collection and the ability to send real-time insights back to the developer. The company also signed a 7-year, $1.25 billion contract with Lufthansa to integrate mobile, social and analytics technologies across Lufthansa’s business.
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