HP unveiled the industry’s first enterprise-class software-defined networking (SDN) open ecosystem with the HP SDN Developer Kit (SDK) and the HP SDN App Store, creating new business opportunities for partners, and providing a simple way for customers to purchase and deploy network services.
Legacy network rollout typically requires months of extensive "human middleware" and customization, delaying potential application deployment while limiting agility. SDN promises to automate network operations, however closed, proprietary SDN technologies inhibit innovation, prevent interoperability and limit creation of a marketplace. An open SDN ecosystem and application development platform can unlock innovation as well as enable collaboration.
The HP SDN Developer Kit provides developers the essential tools to create, test and validate SDN applications, leveraging HP’s SDN infrastructure and full complement of support services. The HP SDN App Store lets customers browse, search, purchase and directly download SDN applications onto their Virtual Application Networks SDN controller, creating a new business model for how network services are purchased and implemented.
“With SDN the networking industry has an opportunity to disruptively innovate and is now primed for a monumental leap forward,” said Bethany Mayer, SVP and GM, Networking, HP. “HP has created the industry’s most comprehensive SDN product portfolio as well as an open SDN ecosystem, which offers an environment for enterprises and partners to rapidly tune the network to their business and application needs.”
Current SDN ecosystem partners registered for the HP SDN Developer Kit include Aastra, Blue Coat Systems, BlueCat, Citrix Systems, Ecode Networks, F5, Infoblox, Infranics, Intel, Microsoft, MIMOS, PwC, Qosmos, Radware, Real Status, Riverbed, RMIT University, ShoreTel Inc., SAP, Tech Mahindra, VMware, Versatile and Websense.
The HP SDN Developer Kit provides HP AllianceOne partners, as well as independent software developers, access to the tools necessary to develop, simulate and validate enterprise-grade SDN applications to sell on the HP SDN App Store.
These tools enable partners to:
- Quickly develop new applications directly on the HP VAN SDN controller using API documentation, developer guide and sample code
- Test application functionality and interoperability in a ready-made environment that simulates user conditions, with the SDN simulation suite and HP SDN Virtual Lab
- Validate newly created applications to meet HP’s enterprise-grade standards through the HP SDN Validation Test.
Alongside these resources on HP.com are SDN developer forums that encourage collaboration including creation of private working groups and support services from HP.
HP SDN App Store creates an open marketplace for ecosystem partners to sell SDN applications which customers can deploy on their network with a few simple mouse clicks. The SDN App Store will include applications developed by HP, applications jointly-developed with partners, and partner-certified and community-created applications.
The HP SDN App Store delivers the front- and back-end infrastructure necessary for an online store, avoiding additional investment for ecosystem partners. Every application sold through the HP SDN App Store is approved by HP, ensuring they are enterprise-grade SDN applications.
Enterprise customers create a secure, private portal accessible only by employees to download and run the HP VAN SDN controller via their private server environment for customers.
HP Technology Services offers new design, implementation and support services to help build and deploy enterprise SDN solutions that address customer needs for agile, flexible network services that are aligned with their organization. The new offering, combined with HP SDN strategy services, delivers a holistic, pragmatic approach to customers’ software-defined networking transformation.
New services include:
- HP SDN Developer Support – offers 24x7 technical phone support and priority knowledge forum response for best practices and troubleshooting for SDN developers
- HP SDN Apps Services and Support – helps customers improve their experience and achieve desired outcomes with applications such as Sentinel and unified communications and collaboration
- Services and Support for HP OpenFlow products – offers a comprehensive portfolio of services to incorporate OpenFlow enabled products as part of a pragmatic approach to realize the benefits of SDN
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