AT&T on Monday extended its NFV capabilities with the launch of a new offering that enables businesses to add network functions in a more flexible and cost-effective way.

The U.S. telco presented Network Functions on Demand, the third service it has rolled out on its SDN-based Network on Demand platform.

The new service enables businesses to buy a single piece of hardware then add virtualised functions on top in different locations and different countries. It is available in 76 countries across the world.

At launch, businesses can choose from four virtualised functions: Juniper Networks virtual routing, Cicso's virtual router, virtual security from Fortinet and Riverbed's virtual WAN optimisation.

AT&T said Network Functions on Demand has already generated interest from major global companies, including New Zealand-based appliance maker Fisher & Paykel.

In a statement, Jon White, general manager, information technology at Fisher & Paykel Appliances, said the offering enables his company to change and manage network functions in its offices quickly and easily.

"We often talk about simplifying our on-site network infrastructure upgrades and deployments – this solution checks that box," White said. "It will not only provide us with visibility and control to drive down IT and operations costs, but also help us quickly respond to evolving business needs."

In a non-NFV world, it can take businesses weeks or even months to add a router or firewall, since they had to buy multiple appliances to run those specific functions, AT&T said.

"It's expensive, cumbersome and takes too long," it added. Network Functions on Demand is "quick to set up and easy to manage," the telco said, without sharing any specific timeframes.

"We’ve broken through traditional, cost-prohibitive barriers," said Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Business Solutions and International. "Our software platform delivers a simple, flexible and efficient experience for any business, virtually anywhere and anytime they need it."

Totaltele.com