Mavenir Joins the Linux Foundation and Google Cloud Launch of NEPHIO to Enable and Simplify Cloud Native Automation of Telecom Network Functions
New Open Source Project at the Linux Foundation brings Cloud, Telecom and Network functions providers together in a Kubernetes world
San Francisco, CA – 12 April 2022: The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, announced the formation of project Nephio in partnership with Google Cloud and leaders across the telecommunications industry. The Linux Foundation provides a venue for continued ecosystem, developer growth and diversity, as well as collaboration across the open source ecosystems.
Building, managing and deploying scalable 5G networks across multiple edge locations is complex. The Telco industry needs true cloud-native automation to be faster, simpler and easier, while achieving agility and optimization in cloud-based deployments. To address these challenges, Google Cloud and the Linux Foundation have founded “Nephio.” The project has support from several founding organizations including Service providers: Airtel, Bell Canada, Elisa, Equinix, Jio, Orange, Rakuten Mobile, TIM, TELUS, Vapor IO, Virgin Media O2, WINDTRE as well as Network Function, Service and Infrastructure Vendors: Aarna Networks, ARM, Casa-systems, DZS, Ericsson, F5, Intel, Juniper, Mavenir, Nokia, Parallel Wireless, VMware.
Cloud-Native Principles have come a long way and as we see Cloud Service Providers collaborating with Telecom Service Providers and Enterprises, a new way of simplifying automation of network functions is emerging.
Nephio aims to deliver carrier-grade, simple, open, Kubernetes-based cloud-native intent automation and common automation templates that materially simplify the deployment and management of multi-vendor cloud infrastructure and network functions across large-scale edge deployments.
Additionally, Nephio will enable faster onboarding of network functions to production including provisioning of underlying cloud infrastructure with a true cloud-native approach, and reduce costs of adoption of cloud and network infrastructure.
“Network automation is a key driver for Telco network cloudification. A Kubernetes native automation framework with proven success in other vertical applications automation is promising for the Telco space. We are pleased to be part of the Google/Linux Foundation initiative to accelerate this move on the public cloud and look forward to collaborating with the Nephio community,” said Bejoy Pankajakshan, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer.
