AT&T partners with IBM to extend FlexWare virtual networking solution
Thu 6 Oct 2016
AT&T and IBM are joining forces to promote the adoption of the former’s virtual networking FlexWare software, expanding the reach of the software-centric cloud offering to businesses worldwide.
The companies announced that the collaboration would see IBM teams support the sales of AT&T’s FlexWare software. The technology is designed to help businesses establish and manage virtual network capabilities over single network devices, such as routers. The software, formerly known as AT&T Network Functions on Demand, allows companies to quickly deploy multiple applications throughout their network. The technology is currently available globally over the AT&T Network on Demand platform, with pricing based on customer requirements.
Through the deal, AT&T will also be able to roll out applications for security, cognitive analytics, and cloud across IBM’s infrastructure.
The partners claim that the new collaboration will help customers to cut costs and take advantage of new virtual networking functionality.
‘By expanding our relationship with IBM, more customers will be able to take advantage of AT&T FlexWare that will adapt and grow with customers’ business needs,’ commented Steve McGaw, chief marketing officer at AT&T Business Solutions, in the official announcement.
Demand for virtualisation services for networking applications has boomed recently to support innovations across cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. AT&T and other major providers such as Verizon are looking to expand their networks to meet these emerging requirements.
AT&T also announced this week that it would soon be bringing a software-defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution to market, based on technology acquired from startup VeloCloud. The offering is expected to be integrated within the FlexWare suite, as well as AT&T’s Integrated Cloud.
Rick Hubbard, senior vice president at AT&T Network Product Management, said of the new venture: ‘Businesses need to satisfy increasing bandwidth demands while reducing costs. That means network needs are evolving, too… This initiative is part of our software-centric strategy that gives our customers more flexibility and control of their networking services.’
While no details were disclosed on pricing for the SD-WAN offering, AT&T confirmed that the solution would be available from next year.
