Global satellite operator SES announced a deal with Amdocs to develop an open network automation platform (ONAP)-based orchestration platform for the delivery of satellite-enabled network services.

According to SES, the platform, which will run in Microsoft Azure, will be built on ONAP and implement Amdoc's NFV technology.

"Our vision is to make satellite-based networks a seamless and wholly integrated part of a global, cloud-scale network ecosystem," said JP Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks, in a release. "Central to this vision is an open, automated operational environment that allows our customers to easily create and deliver new, innovative services anywhere."

The company claims this will allow customers to extend network services and activate virtualized network functions (VNFs) quickly and at scale.

"SES envisions delivering cloud-scale connectivity services and [VNFs] such as SD-WAN, virtualized evolved packet core (vEPC), security, and more, creating massive value for our customers well into the future," Hemingway said.

SES's decision to work with Amdocs comes as no surprise given the company's considerable experience working with ONAP and ongoing collaboration with Microsoft.

ONAP has become increasingly depended upon by service providers like AT&T, China Mobile, and Bell Canada to perform service orchestration, SD-WAN, or to implement VNFs.

ONAP's potential is also expanding. The platform's latest release in July, dubbed Dublin, added a broadband service blueprint as well as a new 5G and cross-carrier virtual private network (VPN) features.