Ciena, a leading network specialist, has introduced a software solution for Managed Services Providers (MSPs).

The new virtual services software platform, Agility Matrix, modernises the acquisition, distribution, consumption and payment of virtualised network functions (VNF) and allows enterprises to drastically improve the performance of all enterprise and cloud-based applications and better manage distributed networks.

The newly developed software links the managed services model along with the key trend of virtualisation, said a company statement.d

Ciena’s innovative approach enables providers to adopt a more flexible and profitable strategy for adding and expanding network services and appliance functionality with a simple web interface and a consumption-based billing model.

The Agility Matrix software also includes the VNF market, an open, online marketplace for a variety of third-party VNFs, and director, a management and orchestration engine.

Using a virtual network interface similar to an online shopping experience, where users can drag and drop items into their carts, new network services such as encryption, firewalls, and VPNs can be delivered as managed services in a matter of minutes versus days or weeks.

Ciena is progressively developing its VNF market, currently working with several leading virtual appliance vendors, including BlackRidge Technology, Brocade, Certes Networks, Silver Peak and Spirent Communications.

 Ciena Agility is led by Kevin Sheehan as vice president and general manager, and encompasses the SDN Multilayer WAN Controller and its applications, V-WAN, the Agility Matrix solution announced today, including VNF Market and Director, as well as all future SDN and NFV development.

Sheehan said: “We are transforming raw capacity into capability that delivers on-demand network-based services in a manner that mimics the ease and instantaneous nature of an online shopping experience.”

“The new Ciena Agility division is organised to quickly respond to the market demand for these customer-driven software solutions,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service