HP Acquires ConteXtream To Bolster NFV

HP is acquiring Mountain View, California-based ConteXtream to expand its Network Function Virtualization play. ConteXtream is a provider of an OpenDaylight-based, carrier-grade SDN fabric for NFV. At transaction close, ConteXtream will become part of HP’s Communications Solutions Business.

ConteXtream was already an HP OpenNFV Partner. Its open SDN controller platform complements HP’s NFV expertise and telecommunications and IT experience. ConteXtream’s SDN controller platform complements HP OpenNFV solutions and aligns with NFV’s evolution as an open source-driven architecture.

NFV is a way to offer functions--traditionally handled by proprietary network appliances--as a service. Instead of proprietary hardware, functions like firewalls and caching can be carved out of a resource pool through software. It saves time and money through not having to physically install and pay for appliances.

ConteXtream’s technology is based on open standards and delivers capabilities like advanced service function chaining (delivering service functions in a sequential order).

NFV is revolutionizing the Communications Service Provider world. CSPs face exploding traffic on their networks and declining margins, as HP described, and NFV is an opportunity to roll out additional revenue generating services.

The OpenNFV program is open approach that allows HP and external partners, such as network equipment providers (NEPs) and independent software vendors (ISVs), to take advantage of the open and standards-based NFV reference architecture, HP OpenNFV Labs, and the HP OpenNFV partner ecosystem of applications and services.

OpenNFV is based on open standards and leverages the open source project OpenDaylight. It supports several open source controller technologies.

We are at a pivotal point for the communications industry,” wrote HP’s Saar Gillai, senior vice president and general manager of HP’s Communications Solutions Business. “CSPs have a significant opportunity to explore new markets and business models. It’s a time of change not only in the application of technology, but within the organization as well. HP will leverage our technology, partners, services, labs and commitment to open standards to help CSPs thrive. As a partner to CSPs, our aim is to make this journey to NFV as efficient as possible.