Sonus Networks’ NaaS IQ network controller, part of the Sonus Software Defined Networking (SDN) solution, has been successfully integrated with Microsoft’s Skype for Business.
“This partnership, made possible via the Skype for Business SDN Interface, will definitely decrease network costs and at the same time support QoE (quality of experience) for users,” says Tjaart de Wet, MD of Q-KON SA, the Sonus distributor for sub-Saharan Africa since 2002.
De Wet adds that, with SDN, switches and routers are made programmable. “The switching fabric becomes controllable remotely via management overlays, which can give operators dynamic, on-the-fly control over network resources,” he adds.
Sonus’ NaaS IQ (network-as-a-service) is an application-aware platform that offers real-time control of the network in prioritizing specific application implementation. The network controller platform provides a policy-driven architecture with logically centralized resource control to automate and orchestrate delivery of just-in-time connectivity that disintermediates traditional routed and switched network economics.
Bringing the platform to Microsoft’s Skype for Business SDN Interface provides unified communications (UC) server isolation by way of pinhole access control, so that disparate sessions, such as encrypted video and voice calls, are recognised and given the proper resources based on business needs.
Additionally, if a call degrades due to a sudden change in traffic, too much jitter, latency or packet loss, NaaS IQ can dynamically select a better route to improve the customer experience.
“These technologies meet an increasing demand for unified communication across emerging markets. Our long-time partnership with Sonus, and extensive engineering capability adds value through the provision of expertise and reliable support,” adds de Wet.