Wednesday, February 8, 2017

OpenFog Consortium Releases its Reference Architecture

The OpenFog Consortium, whose founding members include ARM, Cisco, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, and Princeton University, published its OpenFog Reference Architecture, a universal technical framework designed to enable the data-intensive requirements of the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Fog computing is the system-level architecture that brings computing, storage, control, and networking functions closer to the data-producing sources along the cloud-to-thing continuum. The new reference architecture aims to enable high-performance, interoperability and security in complex digital transactions.

In brief, the OpenFog Reference Architecture contains a medium- to high-level view of system architectures for fog nodes (smart, connected devices) and networks, deployment and hierarchy models, and use cases. It is based on eight core technical principles, termed pillars, which represent the key attributes that a system needs to encompass to be defined as "OpenFog." These pillars include security, scalability, openness, autonomy, RAS (reliability, availability, and serviceability), agility, hierarchy and programmability.

"Just as TCP/IP became the standard and universal framework that enabled the Internet to take off, members of OpenFog have created a standard and universal framework to enable interoperability for 5G, IoT and AI applications," said Helder Antunes, chairman of the OpenFog Consortium and senior director for the Corporate Strategic Innovation Group at Cisco. "While fog computing is starting to be rolled out in smart cities, connected cars, drones and more, it needs a common, interoperable platform to turbocharge the tremendous opportunity in digital transformation. The new OpenFog Reference Architecture is an important giant step in that direction."

"The OpenFog Reference Architecture is the culmination of a year-long effort from industry and university research members to ensure we address all the appropriate communications, software, infrastructure and security components of fog computing," said Jeff Fedders, president of the OpenFog Consortium. "Our goal is to help and support both the business leader and the technologist to create new applications and business models through fog computing. By developing this common framework, we're addressing the hardware, software and system elements necessary for an OpenFog architecture and a vibrant, supplier ecosystem."

http://www.OpenFogConsortium.org/RA

Fuze Raises $104 Million for UCaaS

Fuze (formerly ThinkingPhones), a start-up based in Cambridge, Mass., closed $104 million in venture funding for its cloud-based communication solutions.

Fuze is a global, unified communications as a service (UCaaS) platform for enterprises. In 2016, Fuze grew sales by 90 percent, adding 449 new customers, including The National Geographic Society, The Rockport Group, Socotec, and John Paul with 36 percent of business coming from outside of North America. Its top ten deals of 2016 represented a combined $71 million in contract value, solidifying Fuze’s position as the leading UCaaS platform for global enterprises.

“Over 2016, we experienced tremendous growth in deal size among the large enterprise segment, with CIOs and IT leaders adopting Fuze’s unified communications platform as a central part of their strategy to drive digital transformation in their organizations,” said Steve Kokinos, Fuze Founder and CEO. “This latest round of investment advances Fuze’s aggressive pursuit of the market for our cloud-based business communications platform, accelerates geographic expansion to service our large global customers, and fuels product innovation in ways that align with our long-term growth strategy.”

The funding was led by Wellington Management Company LLP and joined by Greenspring Associates and existing investors Summit Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP), and G20. Total funding to date has reached $304 million.

http://www.fuze.com

CyrusOne Buys Two Data Centers for $490 Million

CyrusOne will acquire two enterprise-class data centers from Sentinel Data Centers for $490 million. The facilities are located in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina and Somerset, New Jersey.

In 2016, the two data centers generated revenue of nearly $50 million. As of December 31, 2016, the two properties consisted of more than 160,000 colocation square feet and approximately 21 MW of power capacity, with nearly 85% of the power capacity leased.

"We are very excited about this transaction, which establishes a presence for us in the Southeast, adds a high quality portfolio of large enterprise customers, and features an attractive long-term lease profile," said Gary Wojtaszek, president and chief executive officer of CyrusOne. "We respect the work of the Sentinel founders. Their focus on great facilities and personalized customer service matches ours. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive and provides significant opportunities to grow the combined business and create value for our shareholders."

http://www.cyrusone.com

Dell'Oro: Cloud Data Centers Drive Toward 400G by 2019

Cloud Data Centers are forecast to drive the transition toward 400 Gbps by 2019, according to a newly published report from Dell'Oro Group.

“Cloud Service Providers (SP) are entering an expansion and mega-upgrade cycle driven by increased capacity demand and aging infrastructure,” said Sameh Boujelbene, Senior Director at Dell’Oro Group. “We anticipate at least two major product cycles by 2021. The first cycle will ramp this year and will be driven by 25 GE SERDES technology, mainly using Broadcom’s Tomahawk-based silicon. The second cycle will start in 2018 – 2019, driven mainly by 50 GE SERDES technology,” Boujelbene explained.

Highlights from the Ethernet Switch – Data Center 5-Year Forecast Report:

  • The overall Ethernet Switch – Data Center market is expected to reach over $14 B by 2021.
  • Data Center switching deployment scenarios are expanding to more areas, such as Data Center Interconnect.
  • Disaggregation of the switch hardware and switch operating system will spread significantly beyond white box systems over the forecast period.
  • Apart from Google, all major Cloud SPs are asking for 400 Gbps. We anticipate that 400 Gbps will become the next major speed after 100 Gbps, provided availability of 400 Gbps optics.

http://www.delloro.com

Mojo Networks Raises $30M for Cloud-managed WiFi

Mojo Networks closed a combination of Series E funding and debt of $30 million to support its cloud-managed WiFi.

Mojo says its cloud-managed WiFi solution is based on a radical vision for creating networks that reach new heights in performance, security, scalability, and ease-of-use.

The investment round includes previous investors Presidio Partners, Trident Capital, and Granite Ventures, who are joined by new investors North Haven Expansion Credit, a fund sponsored by Morgan Stanley Private Credit & Equity, Walden Riverwood Ventures, and Alpha Technologies.

“With consolidation in the market, there is a slowdown of innovation in the industry that helps no one but the incumbents,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO of Mojo. “As an independent, we have the ability to drive change -- we’re elevating enterprise WiFi through the power of the cloud and open standards with a vision for creating networks that do things never seen before.”

The company is based in Mountain View, California.

http://www.mojonetworks.com

Juniper's Pradeep Sindhu Turns Focus to Fungible

Pradeep Sindhu, founder and CTO of Juniper Networks, announced that he is turning his focus to Fungible, a start-up that he co-founded last year to pursue new opportunities in data centers.

Fungible, which is based in Santa Clara, California, has raised $32.5 million in Series A funding co-led by Mayfield, Walden Riverwood Ventures (WRV), and Battery Ventures, with participation from Juniper Networks.

Sindhu will retain the title of Chief Scientist at Juniper.

https://forums.juniper.net/t5/The-New-Network/A-Message-from-Juniper-Networks-Founder-Pradeep-Sindhu/ba-p/303614
http://www.fungible.com/

Arista Wins Department of Defense Approval

Arista Networks announced that a number of its platforms achieved information assurance (IA) interoperability (IO) certification from the Joint Interoperability Command (JITC) and are now included on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Unified Capabilities Approved Products List (UC APL).

Specifically, Arista’s 7150, 7050, 7250, 7300 and 7500 Series programmable platforms are now listed on the DoD Approved Products Lists Integrated Tracking System (APLITS) by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

“We are excited that our solutions received both Layer 2 and Layer 3 certification. These important certifications attest to the high level of security our cloud networking platforms provide,” said Ashwin Kohli, vice president, Systems Engineering at Arista. “Now DoD customers can utilize Arista EOS (Extensible Operating System) to ensure safe and seamless transitions to the cloud.”

http://www.arista.com

Intel’s $7 Billion Fab 42 Targets 7nm Manufacturing

Intel announced plans to invest more than $7 billion to complete Fab 42 in Chandler, Arizona.

Fab 42 is expected to be the most advanced semiconductor factory in the world with its targeted 7 nanometer (nm) manufacturing process within the next 3 to 4 years.

“Intel’s business continues to grow and investment in manufacturing capacity and R&D ensures that the pace of Moore’s law continues to march on, fueling technology innovations the world loves and depends on,” said Brian Krzanich, Intel's CEO. “This factory will help the U.S. maintain its position as the global leader in the semiconductor industry.”

http://www.intel.com

Avaya's Revenue Dips due to Lower Demand and Longer Procurement Cycles

Avaya reported total revenue of $875 million for its first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2016, down $83 million compared to the prior quarter due to lower hardware and networking revenue.

The company cited seasonality and extended procurement cycles, as well as lower demand for unified communications hardware and associated maintenance and professional services.

Non-GAAP gross margin was 61.5%, a first fiscal quarter record, which compares to 61.8% for the prior quarter and 61.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2016. GAAP operating income was $65 million, which compares to a loss of $428 million in the prior quarter and income of $91 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Non-GAAP operating income was $187 million which compares to $229 million for the prior quarter and $185 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016.

"By taking the necessary action to address our capital structure, we are better positioned to strengthen our successful software and services portfolios," said Kevin Kennedy, president and CEO. "Avaya's transformation continues as our product portfolio evolves to a richer mix of software and service platforms."

http://www.avaya.com

Avaya Files for Chapter 11

Citing a need to recapitalize the company, Avaya filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

The company also announced a $725 million debtor-in-possession DIP financing facility underwritten by Citibank.

“We have conducted an extensive review of alternatives to address Avaya’s capital structure, and we believe pursuing a restructuring through chapter 11 is the best path forward at this time,” said Kevin Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Avaya.  “Reducing the Company’s current debt through the chapter 11 process will best position all of Avaya’s businesses for future success.”

“This is a critical step in our ongoing transformation to a successful software and services business. Avaya’s current capital structure is over 10 years old and was put in place to support our business model as a hardware-focused company, which has evolved significantly since that time.  Now, as a result of the terms of Avaya’s debt obligations and the upcoming debt maturities, we need to recapitalize the Company,” continued Mr. Kennedy.  “Our business is performing well, and we are confident that we can emerge from this process stronger than ever, as this path is a reflection of our debt structure, not the strength of our operations or business model.  Pursuing restructuring through chapter 11 will enable us to reduce Avaya’s debt and interest expense, while providing increased financial flexibility to further invest in innovation and growth to enhance our market-leading competitive position.  Most importantly, we are keenly focused on minimizing disruption to our customers, partners, and employees and do not expect to experience any material disruptions during the chapter 11 cases.”

Separately, Avaya reported Q4 2016 revuenu of $958 million, up $76 million compared to the prior quarter as demand improved for products and services, and decreased $50 million year-over-year, due to lower demand for unified communications hardware.  GAAP gross margin was 60.9% for the fourth quarter.  GAAP operating loss was $428 million, reflecting $542 million of impairment of goodwill and intangibles.  Non-GAAP operating income was $229 million which compares to $180 million for the prior quarter and $202 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.  For fiscal 2016, Avaya reported revenue of $3,702 million, down 9% compared to fiscal 2015, or down 8% in constant currency. GAAP gross margin for fiscal 2016 was 60.6%.

http://www.avaya.com/en/about-avaya/newsroom/

Toshiba Begins Construction of 3D Flash Memory Fab

Toshiba started construction of a new state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication and a new Memory R&D center at Yokkaichi Operations in Mie prefecture, Japan, the company’s main memory production base.

Fab 6 will be dedicated to production of Toshiba's 3D BiCS FLASH, which promises significant density improvements over planar NAND Flash memory.


http://www.toshiba.com