SoftBank and Cradlepoint have entered into a strategic partnership to offer a cloud-based WAN service called WhiteCloud OneLayer on Cradlepoint NetCloud (OneLayer).
The WhiteCloud OneLayer on Cradlepoint NetCloud will use use Cradlepoint’s software-defined networking (SDN) and network service virtualisation technology.
Softbank says that presently, enterprise information and communications technology (ICT) environments are adopting mobile, cloud and IoT (Internet of Things) based technologies more and more to drive their businesses.
This development requires an always-on connectivity over public internet for distributed people, places and things, along with visibility, security and control of a private network.
With OneLayer, a cloud-based overlay service running on Cradlepoint NetCloud platform, utilises its network function virtualisation (NFV/SDN) technology.
This technology works in a different way than the traditional site-to-site network solutions, where OneLayer enables secure connectivity to corporate computing resources and public cloud applications from anywhere and any device with end-to-end policy control.
OneLayer’s software when installed on clients’ devices, will provide remote users with secure WAN connectivity over the internet and seamless office LAN experience.
It offers customers the ability to build secure overlay network within minutes without the hassle of complicated site-by-site configuration found in traditional networks, thus significantly reduces WAN cost and complexity.
The companies claim that all policy control is also simple to setup through cloud-based administration console and can be easily applied on individual users, devices and on applications.
Also, OneLayer works independently over any network operator’s infrastructure, thus it can be deployed globally, making it an ideal platform for large-scale M2M (Machine-to-Machine)/IoT deployments.
Softbank says that if a customer using private network service like IP-VPN, SoftBank can deliver OneLayer as a hybrid solution with policy mapping ensuring flexible and scalable ICT environments.
Cradlepoint CEO George Mulhern said: “We share a history of innovation and leadership in our respective markets, so SoftBank is the ideal partner to collaborate with to bring the benefits of SDN/NFV technology to customers as a carrier service.”
ARM confirmed in July that it will be acquired by Softbank for £24bn. The combined company will aim to capitalise on the internet of things market. The deal will be funded by Softbank’s own cash reserves and a long term loan from Mizuho Bank.
