Nokia Networks joins Open Compute Project

Nokia Networks has joined the Open Compute Project (OCP) as a Gold member, demonstrating its commitment to openness and collaboration in offering leading cloud-based solutions. As a member, Nokia Networks will work with the OCP Foundation to build an OCP variant of the Nokia AirFrame Data Center Solution - this will enhance an already comprehensive portfolio offering modular and flexible cloud architectures and delivering low latency and telco-grade reliability for all types of workloads.

Achieving low latency and high throughput within a virtualized environment is a key requirement when moving services into the cloud. Within the telco domain, the first steps have been to adopt centralized cloud architectures for the delivery of core services, such as Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) and Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The Nokia AirFrame Data Center Solution* launched in June 2015 gives operators the ability to host these core services, as well as future-proof them for more demanding applications and ultimately 5G. AirFrame is also proven to run IT-based workloads, showcased at the Oracle Open World event in San Francisco in October 2015.

Nokia will work with the OCP Foundation to support the full range of Nokia Networks' own Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), as well as third-party VNFs. A variety of configurations, from hyperscale to smaller and distributed data centers needed to support specific services, will begin to be supported. Added enhancements made available through OCP will include improved cooling as well as greater Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), one of the key metrics for all data center deployments.

Jason Taylor, President and Chairman of the OCP Board and VP of Infrastructure at Facebook, said: "An open and collaborative approach toward building and designing data center hardware drives greater efficiencies, flexibility and scale for all. Nokia Networks' participation in the OCP community - contributing its expertise and technology - will bring new opportunities for design and collaboration that will continue the progress we've made in building a more open and efficient data center."

Henri Tervonen, Vice President, Mobile Broadband Architecture at Nokia Networks, said: "The Open Compute Project and Facebook have been at the forefront of data center design and innovation since the launch of the OCP initiative, and we are delighted to be able to both leverage and contribute to the ongoing designs and innovative features that characterize the essence of what OCP stands for. Incorporating OCP best practice into our AirFrame Data Center Solution will deliver significant value for our customers, who are looking for leading data center design coupled with the ability to serve very demanding workloads in the most cost efficient manner."