ICYMI: Masergy expands cloud marketplace with Microsoft Azure

Masergy expands cloud marketplace with new platform

Masergy Communications Inc. announced it has expanded its cloud marketplace by connecting its global software-defined networking (SDN) platform to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, giving enterprise customers access to applications hosted on Azure. According to Masergy, Azure users can ensure peak Application performance using its quality of service (QoS) features, including Intelligent Service Control for global bandwidth on demand, and Intelligent Network Analyst for real-time network and application analysis.

Tim Naramore, CEO at Massergy, stressed the importance of finding both the right cloud and service provider, saying Masergy simplifies the process by offering a proven connection and ensuring performance levels that meet business standards. 

Other cloud platforms available on Masergy's cloud marketplace include: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Direct Connect, IBM Softlayer and Videocall Ltd.

Sonus demonstrates collaboration with Skype for Business

Sonus Networks Inc. highlighted its collaboration with Microsoft Skype for Business, using the Microsoft Skype for Business SDN interface. Sonus demonstrated its network as a service (NaaS) controller platform, called NaaS IQ, at the 2015 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in mid-July.

Sonus says that organizations using NaaS IQ can better deliver quality of experience (QoE) to Skype for Business users, optimizing network orchestration and dynamically routing traffic in real time, while also lowering costs.

David Tipping, vice president of products at Sonus, said the demonstration effectively showed organizations the potential of SDN technology to improve unified communications.

Huawei boosts SDN strategy with Amartus technology

In international news, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. has acquired the software assets of Irish developer Amartus as part of its SDN strategy.

Amartus' flagship product, Chameleon SDS, provides integrated service orchestration, network orchestration and an open API. According to Amartus, this combination solves the serious service provider issue of lengthy and costly service rollout cycles.

Moving forward, Amartus will focus on providing software development expertise and services to telecommunication providers and vendors. Amartus CEO Michael Kearns said the company is excited to bring its technology to Huawei, especially at a time when the telecom industry is becoming more software-driven.

Zha Jun, president of Huawei's fixed product line, said Amartus' expertise will help Huawei deliver on its commitment to produce high-quality, innovative cloud and network services.