AT&T, Amdocs to deliver open software solutions

NEW DELHI:  Telephone billing giant Amdoc will be the integrator for telecommunications companies and cloud developers who want to use US -based AT&T’s ECOMP platform to build their own software-centric network services.

AT&T created and developed ECOMP and recently committed to releasing that code into open source. Amdocs will help companies deploy that open source software into their own networks. ECOMP is a vital tool for service providers struggling to meet today’s network demands while preparing for an even greater load in the next few years from applications like virtual reality and augmented reality, 4K video and the Internet of Things.

ECOMP is a comprehensive software suite spanning the entire NFV service life cycle. This will enable shorter service introduction times, improved operational efficiencies and agile data-driven service management of NFV and software defined network (SDN) functions and services.

The offering will target capabilities like the creation of a single view of physical and virtual resources and services, rapid service design, master service orchestration and automated configuration and management. AT&T has already implemented ECOMP in its software-based network, while Amdocs will help market the platform globally. AT&T and Amdocs will continue to enhance the platform through standardization and contributions to the open source community.

“ECOMP is the engine of our software-centric network. And recently, we revealed our plan to build a global community around ECOMP to help service providers and developers meet the network demands of next-gen technologies,” said Chris Rice, VP of Advanced Technologies and Architecture at AT&T Labs.

“Today, we’re excited to share that a few months back Amdocs became an early collaborator on ECOMP and will become an integrator for ECOMP in the industry. We believe ECOMP will set the standard for virtual network (VNF) automation, and Amdocs will support the growth of the platform as more and more service providers begin using it," said Rice.

“Achieving better service agility is at the heart of this initiative and is one of the key business imperatives. Using carrier-optimized cloud infrastructure to separate hardware and software layers will increase the value of the network by allowing the rapid on boarding of new services to our customers,” said Anthony Goonetilleke, division president at Amdocs.

“Together, we will deliver the ECOMP platform to the industry to simplify network environments and drive operational and capital savings, while continuing to accelerate service innovation and network value through agile software powered networks," said Goonetilleke.