Like server and storage virtualization, network virtualization abstracts existing resources and allows them be viewed and managed from a single pane of glass, using open protocols such as OpenFlow.

This allows for on-demand provisioning of resources without the need to physically configure cabling and switches with every network change. Software Defined Networking (SDN) takes things a step further, entirely separating the control plane from the data plane, and enabling administrators to spin up virtual components, virtually at will.

Zones teams with industry leaders like Cisco and Avaya, to bring the speed, flexibility and scalability of software defined networking to all kinds of organizations.

Cisco ACI

Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) reduces TCO, automates IT tasks, and accelerates data center application deployments using a business-relevant software defined networking (SDN) policy model across networks, servers, storage, security, and services.

IT departments and lines of business are looking at cloud automation tools and software defined networking (SDN) architectures to accelerate application delivery, reduce operating costs, and greatly increase business agility

Cisco ACI is a comprehensive SDN architecture. This policy-based automation solution supports a business-relevant application policy language, greater scalability through a distributed enforcement system, and greater network visibility. These benefits are achieved through the integration of physical and virtual environments under one policy model for networks, servers, storage, services, and security.

Through Cisco ACI, customers are reducing application deployment times from weeks to minutes. It also dramatically improves IT alignment with business objectives and policy requirements.

ACI provides a network that is deployed, monitored, and managed in a way that benefits different teams in the IT organization including SDN Network, Cloud and DevOps, and Security. It supports rapid application change by reducing complexity with a common policy framework that can automate provisioning and resource management.

Avaya Fabric Connect

Avaya Fabric Connect lets you move beyond network designs that are inefficient, vulnerable to outages, and complex to operate and manage, with an innovative way to design, operate and manage your network. Avaya Fabric Connect offers a future-proof foundation for today’s megatrends, including network virtualization, cloud, mobility, and video.

With Avaya Fabric Connect you’ll see faster time to service, better agility, better business continuity, and increased efficiency in your network. Avaya Fabric Connect’s enhanced implementation of the Shortest Path Bridging standard helps you achieve interoperability and create hybrid private/public clouds.

This simplified network virtualization solution eliminates cumbersome manual tasks, reducing IT operating expenses. Labor costs can be reduced by 85% with 25 times less network provisioning for deploying services. High-priority change requests can be made easily at the network edge rather than during off hours. Plus, a single-technology network that reduces complex provisioning of protocol overlays simplifies management and troubleshooting.

Ask your Zones account executive to connect you with a solution architect, who will be happy to help you understand all of the advantages of implementing software defined networking in your organization.

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