OREANDA-NEWS. June 14, 2012. NTT DATA Corporation (hereafter “NTT DATA”) plans to start the Software-Defined Networking (hereafter “SDN”) business on a full scale later this year. SDN is a new concept which controls network function and configuration by software. NTT DATA, more specifically, will conduct network integration, system development and consulting services utilizing OpenFlow (see note 1), which is the underlying technology of SDN.

As preparation for its SDN business, this time NTT DATA started the development of new software called Virtual Network Controller Ver2.0, by which OpenFlow can be introduced in an easier and more gradual approach.

To adopt OpenFlow, OpenFlow-enabled network devices are usually necessary. However, with this software that possesses the necessary functions for OpenFlow introduction, NTT DATA is able to construct an OpenFlow environment on your existing physical network without using any special OpenFlow-enabled devices.

Furthermore this software supports, the first time in the world, the combined use of existing network devices and OpenFlow-enabled devices in the same environment. You can at first build an OpenFlow environment on your existing network and then add OpenFlow-enabled devices to it. In this way you can achieve the transition to advanced OpenFlow network in a phased manner.

A prototype of Virtual Network Controller Ver2.0 will be on display for demonstration at Interop Tokyo 2012 exhibition to be held from June 13 to 15.

NTT DATA is aimed at a billion-yen-a-year sale related to Virtual Network Controller in 2013.