5G/Edge workload optimization with enterprise-ready ONAP

The number of workload instances generated in 5G + edge computing environments will grow exponentially, says Amar Kapadia, co-founder and CEO of Aarna Networks. Tens of thousands of dynamic instances supported by network slicing across hundreds of thousands of locations will necessitate a sophisticated orchestration system.   

Aarna Networks, a start-up based in San Jose, California, recently closed on pre-seed funding for its enterprise-ready Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP).  Here's a quick overview.

https://youtu.be/8IklJ0AkXTw

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Samsung Electronics picks Xilinx ACAP

Samsung Electronics Co. will use the Xilinx Versal adaptive compute acceleration platform (ACAP) for worldwide 5G commercial deployments.

Xilinx Versal ACAPs provide a universal, flexible and scalable platform that can address multiple operator requirements across multiple geographies. The devices can be used to perform the real-time, low-latency signal processing demanded by beamforming algorithms. The AI Engines, which are part of the Versal AI Core series, are comprised of a tiled array of vector processors.

“Samsung has been working closely with Xilinx, paving the way for enhancing our 5G technical leadership and opening up a new era in 5G,” said Jaeho Jeon, executive vice president and head of R&D, Networks business, Samsung Electronics. “Taking a step further by applying Xilinx’s new advanced platform to our solutions, we expect to increase 5G performance and accelerate our leadership position in the global market.”

“Samsung is a trailblazer when it comes to 5G innovation and we are excited to play an essential role in its 5G commercial deployments,” said Liam Madden, executive vice president and general manager, Wired and Wireless Group, Xilinx. “Versal ACAPs will provide Samsung with the superior signal processing performance and adaptability needed to deliver an exceptional 5G experience to its customers now and into the future.”

The first Versal ACAP devices have been shipping to early access customers and will be generally available in the Q4 2020 timeframe.

http://www.xilinx.com

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BT confirms Ericsson for 5G core

BT signed a deal to deploy Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core (Evolved Packet Core and 5G Core), a fully container-based, cloud native Mobile Packet Core for 4G, 5G Non-standalone and 5G Standalone services as a single fully integrated core. The solution, delivered on BT’s Network Cloud, will form a key component in BT’s move to a single converged IP network. It will incorporate network orchestration and automation, including continuous delivery and integration processes (CI/CD), and be integrated into BT’s existing customer experience management platforms using Ericsson Expert Analytics together with Ericsson’s built-in software probes. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Howard Watson, CTIO of BT, says: “Having evaluated different 5G Core vendors, we have selected Ericsson as the best option on the basis of both lab performance and future roadmap. We are looking forward to working together as we build out our converged 4G and 5G core network across the UK. An agile, cloud-native core infrastructure is at the heart of our ambition to enable the next generation of exciting 5G services for our customers and give the UK the world-class digital infrastructure it needs to win in the future global economy.”

Marielle Lindgren, Head of Ericsson UK and Ireland, says: “Ericsson and BT have a long history of working together and we are delighted to continue that relationship with this new dual-mode 5G Core deal. We, at Ericsson, have been in the UK for over a century and delivering the next generation of connectivity here is yet another proud part of our story”.

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Nuage integrates Asavie's SD Edge mobility solution

Nokia's Nuage Networks SD-WAN 2.0 solution will integrate Asavie's SD Edge mobility solution to extend the reach of the to include enterprise mobile and IoT devices. The integration will provide enterprises with seamless end-to-end virtualized network visibility and control, via centralized policy management across physical branches, the public and private cloud environments, SaaS offerings and mobile and IOT devices. It will also provide managed communications service providers with a new and innovative way to deliver their fixed and mobile broadband networks to enterprises as a fully integrated, end-to-end managed network service.

Sunil Khandekar, founder and CEO of Nuage Networks, said: “With the rapid increase in remote working and mobile professionals caused by COVID-19, the Asavie SD Edge mobile connectivity service is a great addition to the Nuage SD-WAN 2.0 enterprise offering. It extends the power and simplicity of SD-WAN to include mobile devices, which means all the power of the Nuage policy-driven approach and none of the hassles associated with managing VPN clients on disparate mobile and IoT devices. IT managers can focus their management policies on end users, no matter the devices they are using, ensuring they enjoy a seamless and consistent experience, which they’ve come to expect from Nuage.”

“The partnership with Nuage Networks is an opportunity to lead a redefinition of how mobile and network security can be made simpler and better for enterprise CIOs with a unified management and improved security and user experience.” said Ralph Shaw, CEO at Asavie. “We are excited by the opportunities this partnership will create for service providers and enterprise customers globally. Bringing together Asavie’s expertise in private mobile and IoT network security and management, with Nuage Networks’ strength in SD-WAN and Nokia’s reach in mission-critical networks, creates many synergies and a potential for significant growth and innovation.”

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Global Cloud Xchange emerges from Chapter 11

Global Cloud Xchange's non-regulated businesses, representing a vast majority of the global network and operations, emerged from the Chapter 11 process. The company said its regulated businesses are expected to emerge from bankruptcy later this year following receipt of regulatory approval. Following the Chapter 11 process, GCX will have a stronger capital structure with reduced debt, and access to new working capital that can support its long-term growth. The company will also be moving forward under new ownership of its senior secured noteholders with the commitment and capital to support GCX and its investment in the future.

“I, along with the rest of the GCX management team, am looking forward to the completion of our financial restructuring process so we can fully focus on our strategic direction and future opportunities,” said Rory Cole, Interim CEO of GCX. “We are completing this process having achieved all of the objectives we set out, well positioned to build on our strategic plan and become even more competitive in our industry. GCX is emerging as a leading provider of network services in one of the fastest growing markets in the world that is seeing significant growth in the demand for data services. We are emerging with a strong business, ready to capitalize on this growth and the exciting opportunities ahead.”

 GCX owns one of the world’s largest private undersea cable system spanning more than 68,000 route kms.

Global Cloud Xchange names interim CEO

Monday, January 06, 2020  Global Cloud Xchange, People, Subsea  

Global Cloud Xchange appointed Rory Cole as interim CEO, replacing Bill Barney, who is leaving to pursue other professional opportunities.

Cole has served as Chief Financial Officer of GCX since 2014.

The leadership transition comes after the confirmation of the company’s Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization.

“Rory is a trusted and visionary leader, who has demonstrated a proven ability to guide companies to their next stage of growth and evolution – both as part of the GCX team and in his prior roles transforming large, international telecommunications providers,” said Chris Mallon, Chairman of the Board at GCX. “We are confident Rory is the right person to lead GCX as we conduct the search for a permanent CEO. The GCX Board is thankful to Bill for his leadership, and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Cole previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of RCom’s Submarine Cable and Voice business units, as Chief Financial officer of MCI EMEA, a $3.5 billion division of MCI/Worldcom, and as Chief Operating Officer for Verizon’s 85-country International business unit.

Independent Global Cloud Xchange to emerge from bankruptcy

Wednesday, December 04, 2019  Financial, Global Cloud Xchange  

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed Global Cloud Xchange's Plan of Reorganization, clearing the way for the company to successfully complete its Chapter 11 financial restructuring.

GCX will emerge from Chapter 11. following regulatory approval, as an independent company backed by the strong ownership of its existing senior secured noteholders. Through Chapter 11, the company will have reduced its debt by $150 million and gained access to new working capital to further its strategic plan.

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ServiceNow announces no layoffs through 2020

ServiceNow announced a "no layoffs" policy to protect the jobs of its 11,000-plus global workforce through 2020 despite the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also expects to keep hiring for new jobs worldwide this year. In addition, ServiceNow expects to continue to protect the jobs and salaries of several hundred support staff and contractors who are not working while ServiceNow’s offices remain closed.

“We want our employees focused on supporting our customers, not worried about their own jobs,” said Bill McDermott, ServiceNow’s CEO. “We are committed to no layoffs for 2020. We are continuing to hire worldwide.”

“We are grateful to be in this position,” McDermott continued. “Keeping our company strong means we can help our customers succeed. Supporting our customers, we can help get the U.S. and global economy working again. More than ever, companies see that creating great workflow-designed experiences help protect revenue and growth, provide business continuity and drive productivity. These are the priorities for every company now. We are all in this together.”

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Barcelona will host Mobile World Congress through 2024

The GSMA announced an agreement to host the annual Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona through 2024. Next year's event is scheduled from 1-4 March, 2021.

“In these trying times, it is ever essential to look forward to the future. The GSMA, the Host City Parties, and the MWC Barcelona ecosystem look forward to upcoming editions of MWC, and MWC Barcelona 2021 will be part of the economic recovery process as we exit these trying times,” said John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Limited. “By extending through 2024, we are demonstrating our commitment to our ecosystem as well as the Host City Parties and our strong and mutually beneficial working relationship. We are pleased to report that we have had tremendous support and early commitment with many exhibitors for future editions.”

“The City of Barcelona, the region of Catalunya and the country of Spain are essential hubs for innovation, startups and investment. MWC Barcelona, including 4YFN and YoMo (Four Years from Now), represent significant economic value to the region and job creation,” added Hoffman.

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