Open Source ECOMP, OPEN-O merge to form ONAP Project

Feb. 23, 2017
The Linux Foundation has announced the merger of open source ECOMP and Open Orchestrator Project (OPEN-O) to create the new Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) Project. The new initiative will attempt to combine the work of the two groups to create a platform through which end users can automate, design, orchestrate, and manage services and virtual functions.

The Linux Foundation has announced the merger of open source ECOMP and Open Orchestrator Project (OPEN-O) to create the new Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) Project. The new initiative will attempt to combine the work of the two groups to create a platform through which end users can automate, design, orchestrate, and manage services and virtual functions.

The AT&T-led ECOMP (for Enhanced Control, Orchestration, Management and Policy) software effort has created a platform for the deployment and management of software-defined networking and network functions virtualization (SDN/NFV) principles in the WAN (see this AT&T blog). Other operators, such as Orange and Bell Canada, had committed to taking ECOMP for a test drive.

OPEN-O, meanwhile, sought a similar goal via creation of a unified orchestration platform for SDN/NFV. The project kicked off at Mobile World Congress in early 2016 to create what the project's website describes as a model-driven service framework that would use standard modeling languages such as TOSCA and YANG. It also sought to use a modular approach to integrate with management and orchestration (MANO) building blocks (such as VIMs and VNFMs), along with connectivity services management, including SDN controllers, element management systems, and network management systems.

By putting the two groups together, the Linux Foundation anticipates the creation of a comprehensive framework for real-time, policy-driven software automation of virtual network functions in a more timely manner than either group could achieve on its own.

"By combining two of the largest open source networking initiatives, the community is able to take advantage of the best architectural components of both projects," said Jim Zemlin, executive director of The Linux Foundation. "We're excited to see the industry coalesce around ONAP with this unprecedented merger. Such a broad effort and investment will expedite our vision to deliver an open platform for network automation."

Several of each group's proponents have promised their support. "Founding Platinum members" include Amdocs, AT&T, Bell Canada, China Mobile, China Telecom, Cisco, Ericsson, GigaSpaces, Huawei, IBM, Intel, Nokia, Orange, Tech Mahindra, VMware, and ZTE. "Silver members" include ARM, BOCO Inter-Telecom, Canonical, China Unicom, Cloudbase Solutions, Metaswitch, and Raisecom.

For related articles, visit the SDN/NFV Topic Center.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.

Sponsored Recommendations

Transforming the metro network and the evolution of the "Digital Service Provider"

March 4, 2025
Join experts at EXFO and Ekinops in this webinar that will review the evolving metro-centric requirements and the technologies emerging to meet them.

Unveiling the Synergy Between AI and Optical Networking

March 12, 2025
Join us for an engaging discussion with industry experts on the intersection of AI and optics. Moderated by Sean Buckley, editor-in-chief of Lightwave+BTR, this panel will explore...

Innovations Optical Transceivers

March 10, 2025
The continual movement around artificial intelligence (AI) cluster environments is driving new sales of optical transceiver sales and the adoption of linear pluggable optics (...

ON TOPIC: Filling Coverage Gaps, Enhancing Public Safety

Jan. 30, 2025
With the ongoing drive to support AI and the need for high-speed data center interconnection, the call for higher-speed 800G optical technology is emerging. Initially focused ...