Ciena is looking to help managed service providers adopt network function virtualisation more efficiently, as it announces an on-demand software platform and new business division.
The networking firm unveiled its latest virtualised software platform, Agility Matrix, which is designed to allow service providers to buy as much or as little usage licences for appliances, network services and other applications.
As a result, service providers will be able to lower some of the financial risk of offering virtual functions, according to Ciena.
Eric Hanselman, Chief Analyst at 451 Research, said: "NFV promises attractive benefits for providers and operators, but with considerable adoption risk."
"An approach like Ciena’s Agility Matrix could lower that risk while providing a direct path to revenue for both operators and Ciena’s VNF Market partners. Progress in NFV has been rapid and it’s operational implementations that will deliver greater value."
The software platform, set to be released in the second quarter of 2015, also includes VNF Market, an online marketplace designed to allow enterprise users to shop for NFV products.
Ciena, which competes with Juniper, Cisco and Brocade, also announced a new business division, called Ciena Agility.
Headed by Kevein Sheehan as VP and general manager, the division will focus on delivering network control and application software technologies, including the company’s SDN Multilayer WAN Controller.
He said: "We are transforming raw capacity into capability that delivers on-demand network-based services in a manner that mimics the ease and instantaneous nature of an online shopping experience."
"The new Ciena Agility division is organised to quickly respond to the market demand for these customer-driven software solutions."
Earlier this year, Ciena partnered with Ericsson to develop and co-market software defined networking (SDN) technology.
