Linux Foundation, ETSI & AT&T Combine Their Open Source Groups

The Linux Foundation, ETSI, and AT&T have decided to join their three new open source management and orchestration (MANO) groups to avoid redundancy.

The three — OSM, ECOMP, and Open-O — will combine into one group called OSMECOMP-O, and its first code release Nothosaurus (named after the extinct aquatic reptile) is expected in July.

Its goal is to create network functions virtualization (NFV) open source software that provides seamless integration for service providers to connect their virtual functions to their existing end-to-end operations support systems (OSSs).

“Basically, our goal is to create a MANO that enables one pane of glass for service providers and also gives them one throat to choke,” according to a joint statement by the three groups. “It’s in our DNA to provide service providers with game-changing open source code.”

Everyone knows that service providers want to avoid vendor lock-in, and they need agile solutions so they can monetize services more quickly, because research shows that they can achieve more than 60 percent lower total cost of ownership (TCO) with virtualized approaches.

The bottom line, according to expert analysts, is: Service providers like money and want to make more of it. The groups fittingly chose the Nothosaurus because of its renowned ability to use its large webbed feet to steer it quickly through water and sneak up on its prey.

This statement from the group clearly sums up the work they’ll be doing. “To deliver OSMECOMP-O support for the ETSI NFV ISG framework, we launched the OSMECOMP-O Framework project (OSMECOMP-O-FP). A virtual infrastructure manager (VIM), a virtual network functions manager (VNFM), and an NFV orchestrator (NFVO) are required components for NFV MANO, so OSMECOMP-O-FP will build the interfaces to communicate with the NFVI, the EMS, and the OSS/BSS.”

They’ve already beta-tested some instantiations of their code with member partners, some of whom provide testimonials.

“The OSMECOMP-O has helped me wrap my MANO tightly and hotly about my OSS, despite what pointy-headed naysayers may imply,” says Bill Gates.

[Ed. note: The above account could not be confirmed as having any basis in reality.]