NEC 2010 Annual Report Download - page 26

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In recent years, cloud services that provide IT over networks
are increasingly being deployed by private-sector companies
and the public sector. In order to deploy these cloud
services, it is necessary to promote cloud infrastructure
which is the platform for these services.
However, the current cloud infrastructure requires
complex operation and management of IT and network
systems. This is because at present IT systems and
network systems are configured independently for each
individual service provided by the cloud. Furthermore,
because cloud infrastructure is designed and operated
independently for each service, resources cannot be
effectively shared among different infrastructures in
response to service usage levels and the number of users.
Scalability is also insufficient. For example, infrastructure
must be redesigned when services are expanded.
To solve these problems, NEC is pursuing R&D into IT/
network integrated control technology using OpenFlow*1.
This technology can be used to unify the control and
management of IT and network resources dispersed
globally. Through this technology, NEC aims to increase
the competitiveness of the cloud services that it offers by
reducing the capital investment needed to build cloud
infrastructure and cutting the operating costs.
The application of this technology will enable the
automated construction of virtual systems based on
service characteristics, and the optimal allocation of
resources depending on the usage status of IT and
network resources. In other words, the technology will
allow cloud infrastructure spread around the world to be
treated as if it were a single infrastructure, enabling the
efficient operation and management of infrastructure with
the necessary resources allocated to the necessary
places. Also, by developing control functions for new
services as needed, it is possible to quickly and flexibly
respond to new services which are expected to expand in
the future without redesigning the cloud infrastructure.
NEC has already successfully completed field trials
using this technology to automatically construct virtual
networks based on service details and to automatically
allocate IT and network resources in line with service
usage status. NEC plans to develop a commercial
OpenFlow technology product for data centers within the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.
Going forward, NEC will speed up R&D activities focused
on rapidly establishing IT/Network integrated control
technology for data centers, with the aim of building cloud
infrastructure that is highly responsive to changes.
*1 OpenFlow: Generic name for the technology and interface
specifications advocated by the OpenFlow Switch Consortium
(http://www.openflowswitch.org/) established primarily by Stanford
University (U.S.). NEC has participated in the OpenFlow Switch
Consortium since its inception, and is engaged in OpenFlow-
related R&D activities.
R&D INTO IT/NETWORK INTEGRATED CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
SUPPORTING THE “C&C CLOUD STRATEGY”
IT management
Control
functions
Control
functions
Computers
IP-based networks
IT and networks
must be managed
separately
Network management
Router switches OpenFlow controllers OpenFlow switches
Separation of
functions
Open
protocol
IT/Network integrated control functions
OpenFlow controllers Computer control functions
Integrated management of
IT and networks
Integrated
IT and network
infrastructure
IT/NETWORK INTEGRATED CONTROL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTING THE “C&C CLOUD STRATEGY”
Before: Complex operation and management of
independently configured IT and network systems Going forward: Simple operations and management
based on architecture transformation
Control middleware
(routing, etc.)
Control middleware
(routing, etc.)
Hardware
(packet transmission)
Hardware
(packet transmission)
25 NEC Corporation
Annual Report 2010