HP Unveils SDN Open Ecosystem

HP has unveiled its enterprise-class software-defined networking (SDN) open ecosystem with the HP SDN Developer Kit (SDK) and the HP SDN App Store, creating new business opportunities for partners, and providing a simple way for customers to purchase and deploy network services.

Legacy network rollout typically requires months of extensive ‘human middleware’ and customisation, delaying potential application deployment while limiting agility. SDN promises to automate network operations, however closed, proprietary SDN technologies inhibit innovation, prevent interoperability and limit creation of a marketplace. An open SDN ecosystem and application development platform can unlock innovation as well as enable collaboration.

The HP SDN Developer Kit provides developers the essential tools to create, test and validate SDN applications, leveraging HP’s SDN infrastructure and full complement of support services. The HP SDN App Store lets customers browse, search, purchase and directly download SDN applications onto their Virtual Application Networks SDN controller, creating a new business model for how network services are purchased and implemented.

“With SDN the networking industry has an opportunity to disruptively innovate and is now primed for a monumental leap forward,” said Prakash Krishnamoorthy, Country Manager, HP Networking India. “HP has created the industry’s most comprehensive SDN product portfolio as well as an open SDN ecosystem, which offers an environment for enterprises and partners to rapidly tune the network to their business and application needs.”

Current SDN ecosystem partners registered for the HP SDN Developer Kit include Aastra, Blue Coat Systems, BlueCat, Citrix Systems, Ecode Networks, F5, Infoblox, Infranics, Intel, Microsoft, MIMOS, PwC, Qosmos, Radware, Real Status, Riverbed, RMIT University, ShoreTel Inc., SAP, Tech Mahindra, VMware, Versatile and Websense.

The HP SDN Developer Kit provides HP AllianceOne partners, as well as independent software developers, access to the tools necessary to develop, simulate and validate enterprise-grade SDN applications to sell on the HP SDN App Store.

HP SDN App Store creates an open marketplace for ecosystem partners to sell SDN applications which customers can deploy on their network with a few simple mouse clicks. The SDN App Store will include applications developed by HP, applications jointly-developed with partners, and partner-certified and community-created applications.

The HP SDN App Store delivers the front- and back-end infrastructure necessary for an online store, avoiding additional investment for ecosystem partners. Every application sold through the HP SDN App Store is approved by HP, ensuring they are enterprise-grade SDN applications.

Enterprise customers create a secure, private portal accessible only by employees to download and run the HP VAN SDN controller via their private server environment for customers.

HP Technology Services offers new design, implementation and support services to help build and deploy enterprise SDN solutions that address customer needs for agile, flexible network services that are aligned with their organisation. The new offering, combined with HP SDN strategy services, delivers a holistic, pragmatic approach to customers’ software-defined networking transformation.

To prepare IT professionals to navigate the changes in skill sets needed to handle the way SDN solutions are changing how networks are built, programmed and managed, the company is introducing an SDN Learning Journey curriculum and SDN Certification, as part of the HP ExpertOne program.

The HP SDN Learning Journey curriculum has three defined steps to prepare, engage and deliver SDN solutions. It combines traditional networks with SDN architectures.

Through the HP SDN Certification IT architects, managers and application developers are assured they meet HP’s strict performance standards for enterprise-grade SDN deployments.