Cyan adds multi-vendor capabilities to network management system

Cyan has upgraded its CyMS and CyPortal software systems to provide multi-vendor network management, service-level agreement (SLA) assurance, and integrated Ethernet protection. In addition to overseeing the operations of Cyan’s Z-Series packet-optical transport systems, the software platforms will now interoperate with platforms from Accedian Networks, Overture Networks, and Telco Systems – with more vendors on the way.

The enhanced capabilities come with the R3.2 release for the Z-Series packet-optical transport platforms and Cyan 360 software and software-as-a-service (SaaS) systems. According to Frank Weiner, vice president of marketing at Cyan, the new capabilities are a response to customer requests for an end-to-end view of the network, including platforms that Cyan does not yet provide, such as network interface devices. Wireless backhaul applications represent a typical scenario where such an ability will prove beneficial, he says.

Such applications also will benefit from the support of multi-vendor client-side ITU-T G.8032 Ethernet ring protection. For example, customers can now use Overture Networks UTS4000 Series optical Ethernet platforms to directly subtend linear tail circuits and collector rings from Cyan's Z-Series Ethernet service modules without the traditional box-on-box configurations, Wiener says.

Meanwhile, Cyan plans to extend the number of vendors with which the CyMS and CyPortal software will interoperate. The roster of companies with products that the CyPortal SLA assurance platform will support is about half a dozen, although the company has chosen to announce only Accedian Networks, Overture Networks, and Telco Systems at this time. Accedian Networks and Overture Networks were part of the company’s CyAlliance program and were natural fits for this integration, Wiener said.

Wiener says that the R3.2 release currently is in beta test with a number of customers and should be generally available soon.