Ciena Intros Managed/Virtual Services Platform

Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) is introducing a software solution intended to enable a more agile strategy for adding and expanding network services and appliance functionality with a web interface and a consumption-based billing model. Linking the managed services model with virtualization, the new platform, Agility Matrix, includes VNF Market, an open, online marketplace for third-party VNFs, and Director, a management and orchestration engine.

Using a virtual network interface, new network services such as encryption, firewalls, and VPNs can be delivered as managed services. Ciena is building out its VNF Market, currently working with several virtual appliance vendors, including BlackRidge Technology, Brocade, Certes Networks, Silver Peak and Spirent Communications.