Here’s our gathering of the week’s news bits around software-defined networking (SDN), network functions virtualization (NFV), and related topics.

… Juniper Networks already told the world, but in case you missed it, Cloudwatt will deploy Juniper's open-source OpenContrail controller in a large-scale cloud deployment, to improve efficiency of network operations and ensure data security.

… AT&T, IBM, and Applied Communication Science (ACS) are using an AT&T-developed orchestrator to support on-demand traffic flows between data centers, Light Reading reported. The capabilities offered will be more  than AT&T offers in its NetBond service, and will go beyond what other service providers can offer with their bandwidth-on-demand products, so claims AT&T.

… Pertino, the network-as-a-service provider, announced a new method to extend virtual private cloud (VPC) networks in minutes, giving users the ability to connect severs across sites, regions, and cloud providers. The idea is to reduce idle computing cycles, thereby saving companies money. With spending on hosted private cloud services on track to surpass $24 billion in 2016, some analysts say VPCs will be the predominant operational model for companies looking to capitalize on the speed and lower costs linked to cloud computing.

… Intigua raised a $10 million Series B round led by new investor Intel Capital, bringing its total funding to $21 million. Previous investors Bessemer Venture Partners and Cedar Fund also participated. Intigua uses container technology to deliver systems management as a service.

… Ericsson acquired 140-employee startup MetraTech to advance its cloud and enterprise billing capabilities. Terms were not disclosed. The deal is expected to finalize by the end of the Q3 2014.

… Windstream, one of the largest Tier 2 carriers in the U.S., announced it will spin off its assets into an independent, publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT).  Windstream says the move will let it massively reduce net debt ("massively" = $3.2 billion) and will give the company the ability to move quickly with broadband expansion.

… CPlane Networks and Datavision will jointly offer OpenStack optimization and acceleration services for enterprises and cloud service providers.

And here's our other news coverage from this week:

• Photos: S.F. Celebrates OpenStack's 4th Birthday
• Juniper Survey Finds Users Divided Over SDN
• Cavium Acquiring Xpliant, Going Toe-to-Toe With Broadcom & Intel
• Taking a DevOps Approach to Standardizing Cloud Services
• Cisco ACI Gets a July 31 Ship Date