Ciena Unveils Open Distributed NFV Solution at MEF16

Ciena (NYSE: CIEN), a global leader in edge access devices and service delivery, is accelerating the move to virtualized architectures by introducing an open, distributed network functions virtualization (D-NFV) solution designed to rollout new applications and network services at cloud speed. Attendees at this week’s MEF16 event in Baltimore can see firsthand how Ciena’s new D-NFV solution allows network operators to quickly and reliably roll-out new virtual network services, such as SD-WAN, IP routing, firewalls, and encryption, from their preferred virtual network function (VNF) vendor.

At the event, Ciena will provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of its D-NFV solution in a multi-vendor network that includes Ciena’s Blue Orbit Ecosystem partner RAD, and Ciena BizConnect partner CenturyLink.

Key Facts:

• Available today, Ciena’s  D-NFV solution allows for distributed virtualization by utilizing Blue  Planet orchestration, new carrier-grade D-NFV Infrastructure (D-NFVI) software with a zero-touch deployment model,  and a new 3906mvi including its pluggable x86 NFV Server Module. The D-NFVI software also  can operate on third party COTS servers.
• Offering network operators greater choice and eliminating vendor lock-in, all elements of Ciena's D-NFVI solution can be mixed and matched with third party components, allowing operators to custom build a complete solution that best fits their needs.
• Further meeting customer requirements for increased openness and interoperability in multivendor environments, Ciena’s D-NFVI is rooted in carrier-grade software that improves upon OpenStack to deliver the high availability, reliability, security, and operational model that network operators require for distributed applications. The solution also includes a high-performance DPDK accelerated vSwitch with MEF CE2.0 compliance.
• Ciena customers can also  choose from three performance variants of the new 3906mvi x86 NFV Server Modules  for cost-optimized deployments that are matched to specific performance  needs, and can even host D-NFVI software from third parties, helping to reduce the total cost of ownership.
• Operators can also leverage Ciena’s suite of Professional Services to help accelerate their transformation toward offering  virtual network services in a rapid, reliable, and secure manner.

Executive Comments:

• “It is well known that network operators want to offset the threats from OTT players and declining network connectivity service revenues. D-NFV supports the worldwide operator #1 NFV use case of enterprise vCPE that provides the carrier goal of service agility. We believe that operators will want to examine the flexible mix-and-match openness of Ciena’s D-NFV solution that is designed to meet specific needs of individual service providers.”
  -  Michael Howard, Sr., Research Director and Advisor, Carrier Networks, IHS Markit
• “While  many vendors on the market today offer various components of a D-NFV  solution, Ciena is pioneering a complete solution that is both  field-proven and innovative. Our open, D-NFV solution gives  service providers the hardware, software, and professional services they  need to offer distributed network services and expedites time to revenue,  lowers overall costs, and eliminates vendor lock-in.”
  - Steve Alexander, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Ciena

About Ciena

Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is the network specialist. We collaborate with customers worldwide to unlock the strategic potential of their networks and fundamentally change the way they perform and compete. Ciena leverages its deep expertise in packet and optical networking and distributed software automation to deliver solutions in alignment with its OPⁿ architecture for next-generation networks. We enable a high-scale, programmable infrastructure that can be controlled and adapted by network-level applications, and provide open interfaces to coordinate computing, storage and network resources in a unified, virtualized environment. For updates on Ciena news, follow us on Twitter @Ciena or on LinkedIn

Note to Ciena Investors
You are encouraged to review the Investors section of our website, where we routinely post press releases, SEC filings, recent news, financial results, and other announcements. From time to time we exclusively post material information to this website along with other disclosure channels that we use. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, forecasts, information and assumptions. These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties.  Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those stated or implied, as a result of risks and uncertainties, including those  detailed in our  most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our  expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies and can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.