French Public Cloud Provider Cloudwatt Using OpenContrail for SDN and NFV Efficiencies

Software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are two significant technology trends shaping the growth and development of cloud computing. The open source OpenContrail project, launched last year by Juniper Network, fosters innovation surrounding SDN and NFV in an effort to promote cloud computing adoption.

The project is being put to the test as French public cloud provider Cloudwatt announced it is using OpenContrail to improve their network operations efficiency as well as to ensure data security throughout their cloud deployment. The move is significant as Cloudwatt is striving to become a force in the European cloud computing market. And they are backed by telecom giant Orange as well as electrical systems company Thales (News - Alert) and Caisse des Depots et Consignations, a centuries-old French financial institution.

Cloudwatt was seeking a production-ready SDN solution to integrate with its existing network infrastructure. The solution needed to be transparent in order to meet regulatory compliance as well as security and privacy standards. OpenContrail proved to be a good fit, and Cloudwatt and Juniper collaborated to integrate the offering with Cloudwatt’s cloud orchestration system.

"The choice of an open source SDN solution was essential for us from a sovereignty perspective,” said Didier Renard, president and CEO, Cloudwatt. “By integrating OpenContrail with our choice of cloud management platform, OpenStack, we can greatly simplify our cloud network design and operations, seamlessly connect virtual and physical environments and scale out our cloud without compromising security and privacy.”

The solution has also been beneficial in containing network operations costs, enhancing sovereignty and helping Cloudwatt offer competitive pricing to customers. OpenContrail also helps expedite cloud deployment and simplifies network operations. Additional features include rich analytics, real-time monitoring and diagnostics and troubleshooting.

In addition to Cloudwatt, OpenContrail has a number of significant contributors and users. Ubuntu (News - Alert), cloud dynamics, Gencore Systems, Mirantis and SCALR are all using the solution. 

“Our partnership with Cloudwatt and their commitment to the OpenContrail community is a testament to the business opportunity that can be achieved through an open approach to SDN combined with co-creation between a vendor and an advanced customer,” said Ankur Singla, corporate vice president and general manager, cloud software, Juniper Networks (News - Alert). “For Cloud Builders, for whom the cloud is a key business enabler, Juniper believes the path to the cloud should not be disruptive and we provide the best network for that journey."