Networking

Veeam announces integration with Palo Alto Networks

Veeam Software, a data resilience expert, has announced a new integration with Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity specialist, to simplify security operations and strengthen data resilience. This integration addresses the pressing need for organisations to take an integrated approach to protecting their data backups and proactively respond to cyber threats through the capabilities offered by Veeam’s new apps and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM and Cortex XSOAR. With this new integration, Veeam is the first Palo Alto Networks partner to independently design and develop a data collector, dashboards, and reports for Cortex XSIAM. Dave Russell, SVP of Strategy at Veeam, explains, "Cyber threats are a reality for every single organisation. It takes teamwork to fight this escalating battle against ransomware. We are excited to integrate with Palo Alto Networks to provide customers with capabilities to further strengthen their data resilience. This powerful integration enables our 550,000 customers to better protect their backups and respond to cyberattacks faster, tightening their security posture and helping to ensure reliable, rapid and trusted recovery.” In today's digital landscape, ransomware attacks are on the rise, with 96% specifically targeting an organisation's backups according to the Veeam 2024 Ransomware Trends Report. This alarming reality poses a significant challenge for IT and security leaders worldwide. Traditional tools struggle to scale for large enterprises, resulting in a high volume of alerts and overwhelming manual processes for security teams. To combat these challenges and fulfil customer demand, Veeam and Palo Alto Networks have integrated technology to centralise, scale, and automate data monitoring and incident response. By integrating Palo Alto Networks AI-driven security operations centre (SOC) platform with Veeam's recovery capabilities, organisations can identify and respond to cyberattacks faster, helping to ensure the resilience of their business-critical backup data. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Veeam, empowering organisations to respond and react more quickly to threats facing their critical data," says Pamela Cyr, VP of Technical Partnerships at Palo Alto Networks. "By combining the power of Palo Alto Networks' AI-driven SOC platform with data resilience capabilities from Veeam, we can help customers identify and respond to threats, ensuring the resilience of business-critical data. The new integration demonstrates our shared commitment to providing organisations with tools and technologies that help them proactively combat evolving cyber threats and strengthen their security posture." The integration introduces two new applications – the Veeam apps integrated with Cortex XSIAM and Cortex XSOAR that leverage a bi-directional API connection to monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents impacting critical business data and data backups. The Veeam app integrated with Cortex XSIAM brings data from Veeam Backup & Replication and VeeamONE environments into Cortex XSIAM, providing a centralised view of data and backup security-related activity. The Veeam app, integrated with Cortex XSOAR, enables regular API queries against Veeam Backup & Replication and Veeam ONE, monitoring for significant security events or alerts. Both applications are included at no charge to Veeam Data Platform Advanced and Premium customers. For more from Veeam, click here.

Nasuni integrates Microsoft 365 Copilot

Nasuni, an enterprise data platform for hybrid cloud environments, has announced its latest advancement in data intelligence by further integrating with Microsoft 365 Copilot. Through the Microsoft Graph Connector, Nasuni managed data is now fully accessible and operational with Microsoft Search and Microsoft 365 Copilot, significantly expanding data access for Microsoft's AI services.  AI requires AI-ready infrastructure, and today's legacy data storage infrastructure creates a challenge for forward-thinking enterprises. Legacy hardware-based storage generates silos of data, making it impossible to run AI and analytics against. Organisations, which can have billions of files and petabytes of data, need to break down these silos and consolidate their data into the cloud. The power to unlock this data is incredible, which is why the Nasuni File Data Platform enables this through data consolidation, protection and accessibility for anyone and anything (including AI).  The Graph Connector enables organisations to leverage Nasuni’s managed data repositories to harness the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot, aligning AI-powered experiences with specific business needs and workflows. Organisations can use the Graph Connector to leverage Nasuni data with Microsoft 365 semantic index to unlock AI-powered search, enhanced compliance, and advanced analytics through a unified interface.  Key benefits of this integration include:  · Unlocking greater value from data: Customers can now maximise the value of their Nasuni-managed data by making it accessible for personalised experiences via Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Search, enriching user interactions with relevant content.  · AI-powered search and insights: The Graph Connector enables Nasuni-managed files to be indexed into Microsoft's semantic index, which forms a key part of the Microsoft 365 AI infrastructure. This semantic index is utilised by Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Search to provide contextually relevant answers and insights across Microsoft 365 applications.  · A unified data interface: Customers benefit from single-pane-of-glass access to their Microsoft 365 data (including SharePoint and OneDrive) and Nasuni. This unified view allows for efficient searching and interaction with documents across the entire unstructured file stack, inclusive of Nasuni-managed data.  "By enabling Microsoft 365 Copilot through the use of the Microsoft Graph Connector, we're empowering our customers to get even more value out of their Nasuni-managed data," says Jim Liddle, Chief Innovation Officer of Data Intelligence and AI at Nasuni. "This solution integration will make it frictionless to use Microsoft 365 Copilot with Nasuni data in context with Microsoft 365 stored data sets, allowing for more informed decision-making and improved efficiency in our customers' day-to-day operations."  For more from Nasuni, click here.

Event to help bolster FTTH adoption in south-east Europe

The critical importance of FTTH networks in the ongoing digitalisation of south-eastern Europe will be one of the key topics discussed at the FTTH Congress Balkans (29-30 October in Dubrovnik, Croatia), with the full agenda having been announced for the first time. With approximately 3.827 million homes still awaiting fibre connectivity in South-Eastern Europe, the FTTH Council has invited a dynamic schedule of over 60 senior thought leaders to examine the critical driver of deployments and adoption within the region and share successes to make the most of a promising market. “We are delighted with the quality of the agenda for the upcoming FTTH Congress Balkans, which encompasses the many market dynamics we observe in the region, as well as the European perspective” says FTTH Council Europe Director General, Vincent Garnier. “The Balkans represents a fantastic opportunity for FTTH investment and rollouts. We hope our event provides the perfect forum to foster greater collaboration and to learn more about the latest FTTH products and services available to countries within the region.” Following opening remarks from FTTH Council President Roshene McCool, the event will kick-off with a keynote speech from a Croatian Government representative, which will explore how robust FTTH infrastructure holds the key to digital transformation, economic growth and social advancement. Attendees will discover how Croatia’s strategic initiatives can pave the way for improved connectivity, enhanced public services and increased competitiveness on the global state for the rest of the region. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT) will then highlight the pivotal role of European Union (EU) policies in developing optimal infrastructure across member states, and the strategic importance of these in bridging the digital divide. Special attention will be given to the implications for Balkan countries aspiring to join the EU and how adherence to EU guidelines and its digital agenda can have a transformative impact on the region’s telecommunication landscape. BEREC Chair and President of the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) Council, Tonko Obuljen, will also deliver a keynote session on the first day of the Congress, considering the role of telecom regulation for the development and adoption of FTTH networks. Following this, attendees can hear three panel sessions: A ‘Balkan Operators’ roundtable, one session on public policies for FTTH, and another on the innovative technologies available in the market. The second day of the Congress will see a number of panel sessions grouping senior operators and policymakers from major countries within the region, including North Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. Experts found in each panel will provide a deep dive into the specifics of FTTH deployment and adoption within their respective countries from a variety of angles, including public policies, technologies and operational challenges both present and future. “We would like to thank all current sponsors and partners for recognising the importance of this event for south-eastern Europe,” Vincent continues. “With their support, we have been able to put together a stacked agenda of thought-leaders within the region, and we hope the insight they deliver to attendees will play a huge role in future deployments.” The full list of speakers, moderators and sponsors of the event, can be found on the FTTH Congress Balkans website.

Zayo introduces wavelength route between London and Paris

Zayo Europe, a leading telecom service and infrastructure provider, has introduced a new DWDM route connecting London to Paris, enhancing its diversity options between the two cities. This new route strengthens Zayo Europe’s already extensive network in both the UK and France, offering more destinations at either end of the service than other providers in the market. It will also provide a diverse alternative on Zayo Europe’s existing cable system, working alongside its other routes across the Channel. This new development also enables separate connections between other cities, such as Manchester to Frankfurt, with no overlap in networks. Zayo Europe expects around a 20% reduction in transit time or latency between points of presence (PoPs), like London and Paris. This route will improve network reliability and security for customers by removing the ‘single point of failure’ and providing reliable connections, lower latency and lower downtime risk. Zayo Europe’s new route is 400G ready, providing immediate scalability to meet customers’ bandwidth needs as they grow. In total, Zayo Europe now operates five subsea routes between the UK and continental Europe. This new CrossChannel route complements existing Circe South and Channel Tunnel routes between London and Paris, whilst Zeus and Circe North link London to Amsterdam. Michael Katz, VP for Product & Technology at Zayo Europe, says, “As the surge in adoption of cloud and AI technologies drives an increased demand on networks, the demand for reliable, low-latency connectivity has increased, while the tolerance for network outages has diminished. “Zayo Europe is committed to providing the best connectivity and reliability for our customers across the continent, and this new cross-Channel wavelength route marks a great improvement in the diversity we can offer between these two major hubs and beyond. This high-capacity, low-latency solution will significantly benefit those seeking a fast and secure connection between London and Paris, and will be crucial for those needing to build reliable and secure network solutions.” For more from Zayo Europe, click here.

Singtel and Ericsson to deploy a new 5G technology

Singtel today announced that it is the first in the world to commercially deploy a new 5G capability – Ericsson’s Automated Radio Resource Partitioning (ARRP). Unlike previous iterations of network slicing that require customers to pre-define their network needs, the new software solution intelligently allocates network resources to meet varying workloads of enterprises and consumer applications, thereby overcoming issues of over- or under-provisioning and eliminating the risk of compromising network performance. ARRP also simplifies the complexity of network management for enterprise customers and is particularly beneficial for mission-critical applications where demands on the network frequently changes abruptly. ARRP was deployed at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 event, held over the weekend, as part of Singtel’s 5G Express Pass offering to consumers. This ensured subscribers enjoyed priority network resources and twice the speed, which enabled them to livestream the race and festivities, share content on social media in real-time, and call for ride-hailing services in a congested environment where total attendance exceeded 250,000 spectators. Ng Tian Chong, CEO, Singtel Singapore, says, “With ARRP, businesses only need to specify their desired outcomes and the software handles the rest. Even with no knowledge of network resourcing and management, businesses can tap on the new capabilities of 5G and network slicing. This paves the way for businesses to explore new use cases in dynamic environments like in homeland security, healthcare, smart manufacturing and even high traffic consumer events. We welcome enterprises to test the technology so they can experience the ease with which they can manage their network requirements to support their business needs.” Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines and Brunei, adds, “Ericsson’s Automated Radio Resource Partitioning solution enables Singtel to define and set measurable objectives or ‘intents’ for its enterprise customers, pertaining to uplink or downlink throughputs, along with a maximum resource utilisation in the network. Amidst challenges from increasing complexity, leveraging automation allows our customers to deliver scalable and sustainable service differentiation for superior network experiences." Singtel has been consistently unlocking new features from 5G technology to help businesses improve their business operations and enable the development of innovative applications. Since achieving nationwide 5G coverage in 2022, it has developed technologies like network slicing that dedicates network resources for specific uses, even up to the mobile application level. 5G is also the foundation for Singtel’s recently launched national quantum-safe network (QSN). Southeast Asia’s first, the QSN enables enterprises to secure their communications across the island and extends quantum-safe security to new use cases and applications such as identity, mobility and authentication services. The network is currently open for enterprises to learn more about quantum technology before adoption. For more from Singtel, click here.

Project to deliver low latency in home broadband networks

A new project to aid the delivery of low latency in home broadband networks to improve the user experience of interactive applications has been launched by Broadband Forum. The global standards body will show operators and service providers how to implement Low Latency, Low Loss and Scalable Throughput (L4S) technology, which was specified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) last year, in response to demands of new applications that require low and predictable latency for the best user experience. L4S will enable service providers to offer services to subscribers that can support applications with latency and capacity demands at the same time and at the same network bottleneck. Offering network congestion control that was not previously available for latency sensitive applications, L4S can ensure better user experiences for cloud gaming, video conferencing, extended reality (XR) and more. Jonathan Newton, Vodafone and Access and Transport Architecture Work Area Director at Broadband Forum, comments, “We’re keenly aware that low and stable latency, along with high throughput, is fundamental to broadband performance for many interactive applications used in the home. This is especially true to ensure immersive experiences for applications like cloud gaming, and we’re confident this project will help providers deliver new benefits to pass onto their customers. “Broadband Forum is uniquely positioned to define how to implement L4S capability into a broadband network as a number of key congestion points are in our scope of work, and we look forward to supporting the industry tackle a key pain-point for modern network applications.” As L4S does not require implementation across the whole network to start to deliver benefits, Broadband Forum’s project will support phased implementations of the technology that focus on the most beneficial parts of the network first, on the journey to a full end-to-end support. “As trials and real-world implementations and deployments continue to ramp up in the likes of DOCSIS networks and a range of Apple operating software, Broadband Forum’s new project will build on the IETF standard to ensure ultra-low latency can be ensured in broadband networks,” says Craig Thomas, CEO at Broadband Forum. “In turn, software developers do not need to rewrite their own networking code to support L4S and application providers can continue to develop and introduce apps that require low latency in combination with high throughput.” L4S improves end-to-end performance by introducing immediate congestion feedback from network bottlenecks as soon as data packets begin to queue. This, combined with a scalable congestion control scheme on the sending hosts (the computers and devices sending the data), helps support high throughput and low latency even during network congestion. The Application of L4S to Broadband Networks project, from Broadband Forum’s Access and Transport Architecture (ATA) Work Area, will be responsible for defining how to apply L4S to a broadband network, with considerations on implementation and introduction strategies. For more from Broadband Forum, click here.

Spirent expands Wi-Fi testing solutions

Spirent Communications, a provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, has announced significant enhancements to its Octobox Wi-Fi testing solutions, designed to address the evolving needs of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and equipment manufacturers. As Wi-Fi continues its rapid evolution, driven by the increasing number of connected devices and the rollout of Wi-Fi 7, Spirent's advanced testing platforms are poised to ensure reliable and high-performance connectivity for consumers and enterprises alike. A key enhancement to the Octobox portfolio is the new pre-configured automated testbeds specifically designed to comprehensively test access points, devices, and mesh systems for Wi-Fi 7. Building upon earlier customisable configurations, Octobox has developed the world's first isolated-chamber testbed designed specifically for testing, validating, and optimising the performance of consumer endpoint devices connected to Wi-Fi 7, which revolutionises testing for a range of devices - from phones and VR goggles to refrigerators and drones. In addition, Spirent has designed a configuration specific to testing mesh networks, an important trend in Wi-Fi technology. Mesh backhaul testing is a specific area where the benefits of Wi-Fi 7, such as faster backhaul links, can be particularly advantageous. The testing solution ensures that as more devices connect and operate within a mesh network, the overall performance remains robust and reliable. This includes testing for throughput and resilience, which are critical for ensuring that mesh networks can handle the demands of multiple devices and provide seamless coverage. "With the rapid evolution of Wi-Fi technology, our advanced testing solutions ensure that ISPs can deliver robust, high-performance connectivity across complex mesh networks and a growing number of end devices,” says James Kimery, Vice President of Product Management with Spirent’s Test & Assurance business. “By addressing the unique challenges of Wi-Fi 7 for each key focus area, we empower ISPs to provide seamless, reliable service while reducing support costs and enhancing customer satisfaction." Spirent states that Octobox is the only platform that can comprehensively test stringent Wi-Fi 7 standards by characterising the unique capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 now and in the future as the requirements and related test cases evolve. With a modular design for easy upgrades and the ability emulate multiple devices or stations, Octobox provides a controlled environment to create real-world conditions in a repeatable manner, combining high performance instrumentation and analysis capabilities with the most sophisticated automation software. Octobox simplifies Wi-Fi 7 test set-up, reduces testing duration, and enhances repeatability, resulting in actionable business outcomes. For more from Spirent, click here.

GSMA launches AI maturity roadmap

The GSMA today launched a first industry-wide Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap to provide telecoms operators with the tools and guidance to test and assess their responsible use of the technology. Recognising that the overall opportunity derived from the expanded use of AI within the telecoms sector is estimated by McKinsey to be as high as $680 billion over the next 15-20 years, the GSMA is uniting the industry in using the technology ethically and responsibly – the first time a whole sector has committed to a common approach to AI. The roadmap, developed based on insights by McKinsey, will allow telecoms organisations to assess where they currently stand in terms of their existing maturity in using AI responsibly against where they want to go, i.e. their ambitions and needs, and provide clear guidance and measurement tools to help them get there, while ensuring industry-wide best practice in the responsible use of the technology. Its development follows the well-established commitments of many mobile network operators (MNOs) to ensure the exploration and integration of AI within their work has been and is done in ethical and responsible ways. Following extensive industry consultation, the GSMA has taken these approaches and combined them with existing global regulations, recommendations and standards from international organisations including the OECD, and the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI to create a roadmap for the whole industry to align on the use of RAI. Eighteen MNOs have already committed to the roadmap as a way of tracking, maintaining and improving their responsible use of AI following significant industry involvement in the consultation and development process. Best-practice principles The RAI Maturity Roadmap is underpinned by five core underlying dimensions: the vision, values and strategic goals of an organisation; its operating model and how to maintain AI governance across all operations; technical controls aligned with regulatory requirements; collaboration with third-party ecosystems; as well as corporate change management and communication strategies. For each of these dimensions, the roadmap will guide organisations to take the appropriate steps to use AI responsibly relative to their level of maturity. It also builds on well-established best-practice principles, including: fairness; human agency and oversight; privacy and security; safety and robustness; transparency; accountability; and environmental impact. By providing greater clarity and a common approach to the responsible use of AI, the GSMA’s industry roadmap will give MNOs the confidence to commit to its adoption in the knowledge they are doing so in established, agreed and ethical ways, and therefore unlock the technology’s full value more quickly. Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, says, “The transformative potential of AI has long been apparent, but its integration in our work and our lives must be done in a responsible and transparent way for it to be truly effective and sustainable. This roadmap will now empower more MNOs to embrace AI in the knowledge they, in line with the whole sector, are doing so responsibly and ethically. “Responsible AI is the right way to explore and unlock the many opportunities the technology presents, and the telecoms industry is proud to lead the way as the first sector to commit to this approach – we hope others will follow our example.” José María Álvarez-Pallete López, GSMA Board Chair and Chairman & CEO of Telefónica, adds, “The speed with which AI has now become a central part of tech and telecoms operations demonstrates its power and undoubted value, but also the risks we must consider as an industry and the need to include ethics at the heart of AI to prevent its uncontrolled development. It is crucial for us all to ensure responsible guidelines for the use of AI are implemented now, and it is great to see the telecoms industry leading the way on this with the GSMA’s new roadmap.” William Woo, Singtel’s Group Chief Information Officer and Group Chief Digital Officer, comments, "As a leading digital services provider, the Singtel Group is committed to empowering people and businesses and creating a more sustainable future for all. To ensure AI is developed and used ethically and responsibly, we have collaborated with GSMA to develop the Responsible AI Maturity roadmap which provides the industry with a clear framework for action. This roadmap also guides our own efforts to enhance our responsible AI practices, so enterprises and consumers can benefit from the value creation potential of this next-generation technology safely." The full list of MNOs already signed up to the GSMA Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap is: Axiata, BT, Deutsche Telekom, Du UEA, E&, Globe, MTN, Orange, Singtel, stc, Telefónica, Telenor, Telia, Telstra, Turkcell, TIM, True, and Vodafone.

VIAVI introduces VAMOS automation platform

VIAVI Solutions has introduced the VIAVI Automation Management and Orchestration System (VAMOS), an intelligent automation platform that incorporates AI/ML capabilities to enable wireless and cloud service providers, network equipment manufacturers and their ecosystems to reduce operational expenses and accelerate time-to-market. The complexity of network architectures continues to increase, as operators and equipment manufacturers investigate the next generation of technology, migrate to the cloud, and leverage AI and ML. Continuous Testing (CT) becomes ever more prevalent to provide a unifying perspective on real-world performance. However, labs are confronting the dual challenges of more tests and limited headcount. Automation has become a crucial way for them to manage the complexity, scheduling and manpower demands of CT, allowing technicians to efficiently power through hundreds of test cases, and to focus on higher-order analysis and problem solving. VIAVI has developed VAMOS as part of its NITRO Wireless portfolio to automate test campaigns and their execution in one centralised cloud-based, Lab-as-a-Service platform. Built-in AI and ML capabilities enable test optimisation and faster response times. VAMOS’s customisable workspaces and configurations streamline the testing process across organisations and lab locations. Shared tool testbeds and individual sandboxes accommodate multiple test needs while the platform’s robust analytics and reporting help maximise test resource utilisation and boost test accuracy. “As VIAVI works with leading labs around the globe to integrate wireless, cloud and AI, the need for automation and orchestration has never been clearer,” says Ian Langley, Senior Vice President, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. “In initial implementations at major labs, VAMOS has already demonstrated significant reductions in cost per test-hour and increases in hardware utilisation.” In addition to providing a standalone solution to schedule and run test campaigns based on VIAVI’s NITRO Wireless portfolio, VAMOS can be integrated with a third-party automation framework, allowing it to interact with a wider range of products and existing test environments. Connection is available via both software and hardware. VAMOS will be integrated into the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) for the lab’s on-demand, cloud-based testing. VALOR is designed to manage and support 5G and Open RAN deployments that would benefit from access to tools and expert staff with a minimal ramp-up time. The project is funded by the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. For more from VIAVI Solutions, click here.

New broadband network use cases to be showcased

An array of network innovations set to aid operators in their move to services-led broadband will be demonstrated for the first time at Network X. The Broadband Forum's innovation demonstrations will showcase several real-world use cases that are ensuring Quality of Experience (QoE), improving network efficiency and performance, and accelerating time-to-market of new services for broadband service providers at the event on 8-10 October. Two first-time use cases enabled by the Forum’s flagship standards include the automated deployment of best practices and applications for greater troubleshooting of equipment in the access network and 5G Wireless-Wireline converged Residential Gateway transformation. Other demonstrations include use cases for network equipment interoperability, smart network traffic steering, fixed access network sharing and smart home application management. “The expansion beyond the CloudCO-centric demos shown last year to the wider pool of our work and standards represents the breadth of progress made by Broadband Forum and its members over the past year as we continue our journey towards services-led broadband,” says Lincoln Lavoie, UNH-IOL Principal Engineer and Broadband Forum Technical Committee Chair. “Our demonstrations, plugfests and certification programs are fundamental in making the first connection point and bringing together the industry’s key players, architectures, and users that drive the interoperable, open broadband ecosystem.” Broadband Forum members will participate in and support the demonstrations. The members will also come together for BASe workshops to explore the technologies, innovations, and broadband standards that are enabling operators to seamlessly manage the connected home, differentiate their services and deliver greater value beyond providing basic connectivity, unlocking new revenue. “These demonstrations not only signify the industry’s strategic transition away from connectivity-driven models into the application age of broadband, but they provide a real-life proof-of-success and the confidence the industry needs to adopt Broadband Forum’s standards,” notes Manuel Paul, President of the Board of Directors at Broadband Forum and Squad Lead Network Convergence at Deutsche Telekom. “Open standards and software are paramount in providing the industry with new insights, innovations and interoperable, holistic solutions that allow service providers to adopt a services-led approach and offer more differentiated and customised packages to each of their subscribers.” The demonstrations will encompass Broadband Forum standards, Open Broadband projects, commercial solutions, and open source software. To see the live demos and BASe workshops, visit the Broadband Forum Member Pavilion – Stand C46 at Network X on October 8-10 in Paris, France. For more from Broadband Forum, click here.