Closing the gap between data centre and end devices

Avaya is extending automation from the data centre to the end device, completely removing manual provisioning from everyday service delivery. With new and enhanced networking products and solutions, Avaya becomes the only vendor in the industry to deliver a unified automated network from the data centre to the end device.

The new Avaya Automated Campus builds on the company’s software-defined data centre framework, now spanning the data centre and the campus. Avaya’s software-defined data centre framework leverages Avaya Fabric Connect with enhanced Shortest Path Bridging and intelligent orchestration capabilities. With the Avaya Automated Campus, IT departments can turn up scalable cloud-based services by provisioning end points at the data centre edge and the Wiring closet edge – without having to configure any devices in between. IT simply sets up their critical distribution and core switches once, then turns up and makes changes to services at the edges.

The announcement also includes the automated attachment of end-user devices, such as wireless APs, IP cameras and phones, and non-fabric switches with a new feature called Avaya Fabric Attach. This Best of Interop finalist in the networking category can save IT managers hours – even days. Fabric Attach can significantly reduce the potential for errors by eliminating hundreds of edge CLI commands that can cause end user service delays and costly downtime and performance issues. Avaya Identity Engines as integral part of this suite authenticates end-user devices, empowering their dynamic assignment to the appropriate cloud-based service based on a user’s credentials. Avaya also enhanced Identity Engines to provide both unified network and application access with Single-Sign-On capabilities for Avaya applications. This functionality allows network administrators to centrally set, assign, securely store and change access credentials. A second, Best of Interop finalist for Avaya, this one in the security category, simplifies the enforcement of policies in a consumerised IT era.

The Automated Campus is powered by new products as well as software-based enhancements.

• Avaya’s new Virtual Services Platform 8284XSQ is the first of a new category of networking products called Compact Form-Factor Switches. It powers the core and delivers massive 10/40 Gigabit density in a 2U-sized platform with chassis-class performance and functionality.
• The new Virtual Services Platform 4450 powers the Campus distribution network delivering multiservice fabric-based networking for heavy fibre-based environments.
• At the wiring closet, Avaya’s flagship ERS 4800 has been enhanced with Fabric Connect software – now allowing for the virtualised network to extend end to end.
• Fabric Attach will be available as a software upgrade for both the Avaya wired and wireless edge platforms.
• Identity Engines provides BYOD, network and guest access support for the Automated Campus as well as dynamic assignment of devices to the correct virtualised network.