The trend toward network functions virtualization (NFV) and software defined networking (SDN) continues to gain momentum. That’s not surprising, given that implementing these software technologies can help operators save billions of dollars annually, and increasing service flexibility as well. But those benefits create new challenges—as operators introduce virtualized environments into the equation, they could lose service performance visibility without the right tools in place.
The other challenge is that this shift will be a long-term transition. Once operators begin the move to virtualization, they will be operating hybrid environments—ones that blend virtual and physical network environments—for years to come.
This is one of the several topics I will be discussing in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress next week. If you are not attending MWC, and want to hear more, click below to read a recent sponsored article for Global Telecoms Business.
