NEC supports cloud computing services for telcos

Global provider of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions NEC has announced support of cloud computing services for telecommunications carriers.

The company has introduced its IT and network integration package, the 'Cloud Platform Suite', that provides an infrastructure for carrier cloud computing. The offering includes virtualised servers, data storage, networking equipment, software and solutions with integrated operation management systems.

More opportunities for carriers

NEC has scheduled the shipments of the Cloud Platform Suite to begin sometime towards the end of this month. It also intends to continue strengthening its platform portfolio in support of the expansion of cloud computing business.

Toshiyuki Mineno, senior vice president, NEC, noted that in recent years, the opportunities for cloud services have expanded and this has driven carriers to put greater emphasis on a cloud computing platform.

This new Suite according to Mineno will serve as a key building block to NEC's next-generation network solutions, including femtocell and LTE, which provide essential integrated solutions to the complex needs of telecommunications carriers.

Multi-featured offering

NEC's Cloud Platform Suite has the ability to reduce total costs and lead time thanks to the easy transformation of switching centres to data centres. The power-efficient offering has simplified configuration and promises low-cost operations.

The company has also included an additional option, the Programmable Flow Switch and Controller, which will deliver efficiency and visualisation to data centre networks. Available by the end of March 2011, this new technology is set to manage networks in dispersed data centres and aid carriers in providing a high-quality cloud service.

NEC is also offering operations support systems software, “NetCracker,” to allow the integration of operation and orchestration of carrier cloud services. This software can accelerate the delivery and efficient operation of carrier cloud services by two processes: automation of order-to-activate operation cycles of networks and provision of end-to-end visibility and optimisation of network resources.