AT&T Commits Releasing Its Network Playbook Into Open Source

AT&T Inc. T disclosed its commitment to releasing into open source the software platform, which enables its software-defined network (SDN).

According to the telecom service provider, making its current Enhanced Control, Orchestration, Management and Policy (ECOMP) platform available in open source would allow international service providers, as well as cloud developers to meet non-stop network demands. That was due to the data-hungry technologies such as autonomous cars, augmented and virtual reality, 4K video and the Internet of Things (IoT) take off.

The companies said that to understand the importance of this move, it was helpful to understand what the company meant by a "software-centric network." The company added that old networking industry was fine where data traffic grew gradually and predictably.

AT&T's Chief Strategy Officer and Group President, Technology and Operations, John Donovan, said "In March, we opened the hood of our network, showed you the engine and the industry responded asking to join us. Over the last few years, AT&T invented what we believe to be the most sophisticated, comprehensive and scalable software-centric network in the world. Today, we're letting anyone use and build upon our millions of lines of software code by committing to releasing it into the open source community."

The telecom service provider indicated its ECOMP enables service providers quickly add features and allow the businesses to bring down operations costs. The company added that it also offered more control of their network services, and allows developers to develop new services.

AT&T said consumers benefit finally because the network better adapts, scales and predicts how to make their connected experiences seamless. The company said that it meant that all the cool network-enabled technologies coming in the next few years would run smoothly. That included virtual reality or self-driving cars or 4K video.