MEF and the TM Forum are collaborating with major service providers in a new initiative to standardise Lifecycle Services Orchestration (LSO) application programming interfaces (APIs).
Standardised LSO APIs are a vital step towards ensuring that networks can talk to each other in a post-software defined networking (SDN) and (NFV) networks functions
In work currently being conducted at MEF, AT&T, Orange, Colt Technology Services, Comcast, Level 3, PCCW Global, Sparkle, Verizon, and CableLabs and
The inter-provider LSO API standardisation work will initially apply to orchestrating widely deployed MEF-defined Carrier Ethernet services in a global market that IHS Markit estimates is worth over $50bn. This work can be used in the future for orchestrated optical and IP services presently being defined by MEF and to advance digital ecosystem orchestration and management work being led by TM Forum.
Project participants are planning for a software development “sprint” at the end of which the first inter-carrier LSO APIs will be implemented in late 2017.
Roman Pacewicz, Senior vice president, offer management and service integration, AT&T business solutions said: “Delivering dynamic on-demand services for our customers is a priority at AT&T. The work we’re doing with MEF, TM Forum, and their members on API standardisation will be critical to expanding the value of connected software-defined networking on a global basis.”
Didier Duriez, Senior VP, Orange Global Solutions for Business, Orange Business Solutions said: “TM Forum and MEF members are leading the work on inter-provider open API standards. Businesses worldwide are looking for flexible, on-demand Network as a Service (NaaS) solutions that are more responsive to their needs. Orange is excited to collaborate with other industry leaders to create an ecosystem of operationally efficient connected networks that will accelerate our ability to provide these new, innovative digital services to more customers and more locations.”
