Nokia Networks and Red Hat Extend Collaboration to Deliver OpenStack-Powered Telco Cloud

DUBAI, UAE, 17th September, 2014: Nokia Networks and Red Hat, Inc. (NYSE: RHT) have extended their collaboration to enable mobile operators to create a more efficient and flexible telco cloud infrastructure. The agreement bundles Nokia Networks’ carrier-grade virtualized core applications and cloud application management products with Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform*.

This latest collaboration enables efficient operation of the Nokia virtualized core network functions and management systems on top of Red Hat’s OpenStack technology, with commercial joint solutions expected to be available in early 2015.

Nokia Networks’ approach is to ensure the independence of its Liquid Core** application suite from underlying hardware, cloud stack and software-defined networking (SDN) software. The collaboration with Red Hat enhances its ecosystem of cloud infrastructure partners, giving operators a wide choice of solutions to best fit their telco cloud strategy. Red Hat is the largest contributor to OpenStack, and this extended collaboration is further proof of Nokia Networks’ commitment to its multi-stack cloud approach.

“Red Hat is an open source and OpenStack leader and its enterprise-class cloud solutions are widely used in the market,” said Michael Clever, senior vice president of Core at Nokia Networks. “We have cooperated with Red Hat since 2004, and are excited about the expanded relationship, as it strongly supports our strategy to smoothly transition proven carrier-grade core software applications to NFV*** OpenStack cloud environments.”

“OpenStack and NFV hold such significant promise for carriers that are looking to modernize their infrastructure and embrace the innovation that open source is enabling in the cloud,” said Radhesh Balakrishnan, general manager, Virtualization and OpenStack at Red Hat. “By bringing our carrier-grade OpenStack platform to Nokia Networks’ virtualized core applications and cloud application management products, we’re aiming to help carriers deliver the cloud-based services that will drive the future of this industry.”

The telco cloud has the potential to revolutionize the way operators run their networks and launch new services. By investing in such technologies, operators can gain the flexibility, agility, scalability and operational efficiency they need to be successful. In addition, their infrastructure will be able to bring new services to market rapidly, using the network datacenter locations of their choice.

Notes:
* Nokia Networks is committed to supporting multiple cloud stacks, including virtualization solutions and OpenStack. OpenStack is open source software for building clouds that enable businesses to rapidly roll out new products, add new features and improve internal systems while avoiding operators being locked in to a specific vendor. Nokia Networks initiated its collaboration with the OpenStack Foundation in 2013 with the aim of addressing the requirements of network function virtualization and its telco cloud solution.

** Nokia Networks offers a fully virtualized Liquid Core portfolio in line with the ETSI NFV guidelines and architectural principles. This mobile and fixed core portfolio for the cloud is supported by the Nokia Cloud Application Manager for managing virtualized applications in the telco cloud. Furthermore, the Nokia NetAct Operations Support System ensures seamless operation across virtualized and non-virtualized network elements.

*** NFV stands for Network Functions Virtualization, an ETSI working group aiming to harmonize the various approaches to implement cloud-enabled solutions.

About Nokia
Nokia invests in technologies important in a world where billions of devices are connected. We are focused on three businesses: network infrastructure software, hardware and services, which we offer through Nokia Networks; location intelligence, which we provide through HERE; and advanced technology development and licensing, which we pursue through Nokia Technologies. Each of these businesses is a leader in its respective field.

Nokia Networks is the world’s specialist in mobile broadband. From the first ever call on GSM, to the first call on LTE, we operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world’s most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly. www.nsn.com // http://company.nokia.com

About Red Hat, Inc.
Red Hat is the world's leading provider of open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to reliable and high-performing cloud, Linux, middleware, storage and virtualization technologies. Red Hat also offers award-winning support, training, and consulting services. As the connective hub in a global network of enterprises, partners, and open source communities, Red Hat helps create relevant, innovative technologies that liberate resources for growth and prepare customers for the future of IT. Learn more at http://www.redhat.com.

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