Ethernet has taken the lead as the preferred platform for connecting to the cloud, but not all Ethernet cloud connections (CloudE) are created equal. Providers and users alike are calling for the industry to establish standards of excellence, and the Cloud Ethernet Forum is responding. Read about CloudE 1.0 and what its standards of excellence could mean for CloudE.

1. CloudE:
STANDARDS OF
EXCELLENCE
FOR ETHERNET CLOUD
CONNECTIONS
As cloud adoption increases, Ethernet is taking the lead as the
preferred cloud connection platform. Business demand for
high-speed, reliable, secure, and easy access to cloud applications
has thrust network connectivity into the spotlight. Ethernet’s
domination has prompted the creation of the CloudEthernet Forum
(CEF) and of CloudE 1.0, which aims to establish standards of
excellence for Ethernet cloud connections.
CloudE 1.0
“The shift to cloud computing is as fundamental and far-reaching as
the shift from mainframe to personal computer that did so much to
boost business in the 80s. But initially what hindered the transition
was the rapid fragmentation of the PC market into rival operating
systems. The same could happen to cloud services under rival cloud
providers—unless we can define global standards for an industry
wide global open cloud environment. CloudE 1.0 is our first step on
the path to the open cloud.”
–James Walker, CEF President
CloudE 1.0 will establish standards-based criteria for
Ethernet services that deliver cloud solutions. It will
define reference architecture for cloud definitions and will
align the CEF’s work with existing standards bodies.
2
3
Nearly 2/3 of enteprise IT
managers plan to move
business-critical applications to
the cloud, and their network
connectivity of choice is Ethernet.
But what standards exist for cloud
services delivered via Ethernet?
CEF will set vital standards in
the following areas for
Cloud Ethernet service:
Virtualization
Automation
Security
Programmability
Analytics
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Cablecos Capture
CloudE Market
Cloud users choose Ethernet because of its:
High speed
Aordability
Bandwidth scalability
Reliability
Wide availability
Easy ability to connect to cloud and
data center virtualization applications
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Hit
$6.2 Billion
in 2013
By 2016, demand for business Ethernet is
forecasted to reach
$6.2 Billion
Beteween 2013 and 2018, revenue from
Ethernet services is expected to grow
300%
Forecast to top
$10 Billion
in 2016
AA Maattcchh Maaddee iinn tthhee CClloouudd Most businesses have a mix of applications that require multiple public or private clouds. Hybrid
implementations that incorporate both public and private cloud functionality are gaining traction, and
advanced deployments are integrating resources and cross-domain data sharing.
Private cloud inter-data
center connectivity
Ethernet Private Line (EPL)
Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL)
are the connection of choice. EPLs
provide point-to-point connections,
while EVPLs also support
point-to-multipoint
connectivity using EVCs (Ethernet
Virtual Connections).
Public cloud oerings
Hybrid Ethernet/IP
VPNs connected to
private or public clouds
Private cloud connectivity
between on-net sites and
data centers
Ethernet Dedicated
Internet Access
(DIA) is the primary
connection
of choice.
E-LAN services are
preferred for data centers,
while Metro LAN services
connect sites within a metro
area, and WAN VPLS services
support wider geographies.
E-Access to IP/MPLS
VPN implementations
is increasingly the
connection of choice.
“Cablecos had ‘meteoric growth’
in the 2013 Ethernet market.”
–Rick Malone, Vertical Systems Principal
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The leading cable MSO in the U.S. Carrier Ethernet market— according to the 2013
Vertical Systems report
Has been in the top 10 on the Vertical Systems’ U.S. Business Ethernet Leaderboard
for 7 years
MEF 2.0 certified in all six Ethernet categories
Wholly owned infrastructure
Subsidiary NaviSite provides managed Cloud services
Looking Ahead
Expect CloudE 1.0 to solidify standards for the
global open cloud environment. Such
standards will provide the foundation for
further changes to the Ethernet cloud
environment. Soon this could include Software
Defined Networking (SDN) as Ethernet
providers evaluate the benefits of SDN to
support IP networks, data centers, cloud
services, and enhanced capabilities like
on-demand service provisioning.
An infographic presented by
business.twc.com/partner
Connections Needed:
Ethernet Service:
In the 2013 Vertical Systems U.S.
Carrier Ethernet Leaderboard rankings:
Cablecos won 3 of
the top 9 positions
http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/digital-issues/2014/06/cloud-play.aspx
http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/news/2014/06/ethernet-services-growth-outpaces-ip-mpls-vpns.aspx
http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/how-ethernet-enables-cloud-connectivity/2013-01-22-0
http://www.cloudethernet.org/cloudethernet-forum-announces-cloude-1-0-framework/
http://business.timewarnercable.com/services/network-services/ethernet.html
Sources: