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Do we really need to do NFV/SDN the old fashion way or should we think anew? I don't believe that NFV/SDN is about replicating the old world, but adding cloud to the equation you have SERVICE = SDN + CLOUD + NFV, starting by the access network services everything must be built without legacy if Telcos are to compete with the OTT newcomers. What are others opinions?

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Alfonso Carrillo Aspiazu
TELEFONICA
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Hi, in my opinion the way of building network is changing as well as the way of operating it.I have Hands on network planning since 15 years and currently I'm redefining the way of overall planning, integration and operation activities related to telco network and services with taking into consideration telco over cloud journey or what I called pesonally sCSP :software defined communication service provider. In fact we cannot build new with old but we have to define the optimum way to evolve towards NFV/SDN/cloud models within the organization, the design, the process, skills, platforms...., Our network which we master since years are not any more running in MSC site it is running completely in IT infrustructure which must be standardized and mastered with clear Reference architecture 1.x evolution path taking into consideration all Teclo parameters, Market maturity regarding available resources, current NFV/SDN/Cloud product availability, interoperability and standard compliance or commitment to be compliant with standards community and oorganization to avoid vendor lock in.
We are adding more complexity to the network and if we continue with old or legacy way we lose the game because cloudification and automation is among the key of success to drop cost down and simplify the nework and overall operating activities including all day to day job for any telecom operator. Service agility and programmability will help a lot to reduce time to market for any New services but it is necessary to define a clear roadmap for which technology we have to invest when and what is the transition model requirements and needs in term of process, skills, integration , evolution, openness,....
It will be a complete journey with no standard model to be followed it depends mainly for the strategic view of evolution regarding busniess alignment with technology...

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Wadii BELLAAJ
NFV/SDN/Cloud ARCHITECT
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------Original Message------

Do we really need to do NFV/SDN the old fashion way or should we think anew? I don't believe that NFV/SDN is about replicating the old world, but adding cloud to the equation you have SERVICE = SDN + CLOUD + NFV, starting by the access network services everything must be built without legacy if Telcos are to compete with the OTT newcomers. What are others opinions?

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Alfonso Carrillo Aspiazu
TELEFONICA
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I totally agree Alfonso, that the power of NFV comes from doing new things a new way. That means a transformation of technology, culture and processes to create more agility, efficiency and differentiation across the portfolio. That said, we cannot ignore the huge legacy (technology and spend) of traditional architecture. So it's a combination of evolution and revolution for telecoms operators. With respect to the 'new things', the need and the opportunity is to be more customer-centric. My colleague Honore' LaBourdette wrote a blog recently on the subject here.




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Nigel Stephenson
VMware, Inc.
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Alfonso,

To manage SDN/NfV, I think it takes several new concepts like service chaining and closed loop automation.   The trouble is the hybrid dependencies, like the linkage to the legacy world-ethernet, MPLS, WIFI, RAN.   As such it will need to be managed with a unified and end-to end-legacy to VNF view for visibility, correlation, and service management.  Operators need to leverage the best practices and investment they have already made in managing the legacy infrastructure.   Programmable networks can enable a "sum of all" approach though.  We are seeing Monolith's AssureNow enabling that approach for Tier1 providers and niche managed service operators across the global.   The solution is the same: unified collection, real-time cross-domain root cause analysis,  and targeted automation workflow.   If you are interested we have a nice white paper talking about the unified approach to transformation.

Operational Support System - Transforming Businesses into Thrivers - AssureNow

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Operational Support System - Transforming Businesses into Thrivers - AssureNow When transforming your business into a Digital Services Provider (DSP), or when driving Operational Support System (OSS) change, the business's immediate needs must be addressed while supporting the new digital services market. Fundamental changes must occur, including: - Deployment of Software Defined Networks (SDN) to support network function - Culture and personnel skills to ... View this on AssureNow >

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Shawn Ennis
Monolith Software
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