AT&T Adds Amdocs, Juniper to NFV Supplier Program

Communications giant AT&T (T) has named Juniper Networks (JNPR) and Amdocs (DOX) as the newest vendors for its proposed User-Defined Network Cloud program. The addition of these suppliers signals AT&T is moving full-speed ahead with its plans for the first-ever global cloud-based network.

AT&T originally announced its plans to create the User-Defined Network Cloud in February as a way for customers to utilize cloud-based architecture for their network services worldwide. While the completion date for the project has not been solidified, the addition of Amdocs and Juniper confirms that the company means to make significant progress this year.

“This is an ambitious program that allows us to tap into the latest technologies to enhance the network infrastructure,” said Tim Harden, president, AT&T Supply Chain, in a prepared statement. “We’re taking another step toward building the faster, simpler and more flexible network of the future that provides increased global connectivity with easily scalable and faster content delivery.”

Previously, AT&T announced the first group of companies selected to work on its network strategy, including Ericsson, Tail-F Systems AB and Metaswitch Networks, which have been tasked with beginning the discussion on design and deployment. Affirmed Networks was selected to focus on integration and transformation services, according to AT&T.

During this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, John Donovan, senior VP of AT&T’s Technology and Network Operations, explained that the network would encompass a multiservice, multitenant platform capable of adapting to traffic demands dynamically, according to Converge Network Digest. AT&T will utilize its Domain 2.0 supplier program to build the architecture based on network functions virtualization (NFV) and software defined networking (SDN).

The agreement is sure to be a boon for Jupiter as well, especially in light of its attempt to increase demand for its products with the creation of its Worldwide Partner Marketing Group. The company is currently going through a restructuring, which has resulted in the loss of 6 percent of its overall workforce.

AT&T stated it doesn’t plan on revising its previously announced capital expenditure as a result of the announcement. It has also placed 100 new job ads on its website to attract web innovators to help further the project’s success.