Windstream to demo SDN-enabled multi-vendor service orchestration at MEF17

Windstream (NASDAQ: WIN) will partner with Ciena, Coriant, and Infinera to participate in the MEF17 Proof of Concept (PoC) Showcase. Windstream and its collaborators will offer a demonstration of multi-vendor service orchestration enabled via software-defined networking (SDN). The PoC demonstration will show off the capabilities of Windstream's Software Defined Network Orchestrated Waves (SDNow) service (see "Windstream Wholesale offers SDN orchestrated wavelength services via SDNow").

The MEF PoC Showcase demonstration will see on-demand, end-to-end activation of SDNow 10-Gbps optical transport services on Windstream's 150,000-mile fiber-optic network. The multi-domain service orchestration will leverage SDN controller software provided by Windstream's vendor partners. The demonstration also will spotlight intent-based provisioning, data abstraction, and use of APIs for automated software-driven service design, provisioning, and delivery. The demonstration aligns with the MEF Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) standards and open-source projects (see, for example, "MEF increases focus on SD-WAN managed services").

"In line with MEF's focus on enabling dynamic Third Network solutions, Windstream's partnership with these three industry pioneers – Ciena, Coriant, and Infinera – highlights the benefits of our multi-vendor network ecosystem," said Joe Harding, executive vice president and enterprise chief marketing officer for Windstream Wholesale. "This collaborative effort -- using multiple hardware platforms orchestrated in real-time via multi-domain service orchestration with APIs to underlying domain controllers -- will demonstrate how end-users can take advantage of maximum network control and access to agile, on-demand bandwidth solutions, as well as simplified and accelerated service delivery using minimal human touchpoints."

Windstream currently provides SDNow to five third-party carrier-neutral data centers, one each in Chicago, Dallas, Ashburn, Miami, and Atlanta. The service provider reveals it has plans to add services and locations this year and next. Windstream explains its use of an SDN-enabled, DevOps-style approach to automation development in SDNow enables the abstraction of service delivery complexity as well as a simplified view of the multi-vendor optical layer.

All three optical and SDN technology developers have previously announced relationships with Windstream (see, for example, "Windstream automates wavelength service provisioning," "Windstream selects Coriant Groove G30 for New York metro data center interconnect", and "Infinera upgrades DTN-X portfolio, debuts meshponders").

MEF17 will take place in Orlando, FL, from November 13-16.

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