Ixia (Nasdaq: XXIA), a leading provider of network test, visibility, and security solutions, and DataArt, the global technology consulting firm that creates end-to-end solutions, have joined together to develop an automation solution that accelerates the delivery of fully tested Network Function Virtualization (NFV) based services for carriers around the world.

Carriers and service providers are rapidly moving forward with plans to simplify service delivery by shifting network and IT functions to the cloud. In fact, IHS Markit forecasts that the NFV market will scale from $2.7 billion today to $15.5 billion by 2020. However, to fully realize the promise of NFV (faster time-to-market, reduced OPEX/CAPEX), carriers must automate their pre-to-post deployment processes and operations as well as ensure comprehensive VNF testing and service validation.

To enable industry leading carriers with NFV environments to accelerate “risk-reduced” services to market, Ixia and DataArt have combined their respective technology and telco expertise to deliver an automation solution leveraging Juju, an application and service modeling tool.

“As a trusted technology partner for the world's leading brands, it’s very important that we align with organizations that possess a similar commitment to their customers, such as Ixia,” said Michael Lazar, Head of the Telecom Practice at DataArt. “Ixia’s proven test capabilities are well regarded and recognized worldwide as a key enabler for moving NFV from a lab environment to a production network.”

DataArt designed a technology stack, including use of OpenStack and OPNFV’s Juju Installer (JOID), to provide the foundation for future solution scaling and enhancement. Ixia’s IxLoad Virtual Edition (VE), which tests key performance characteristics of virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC), virtual IP Multimedia Subsystem (vIMS), and virtual firewalls (VFW), measures the quality of experience of real-time, business-critical applications.

The result is a full-stack solution for deploying Ixia’s IxLoad VE in an NFV environment using Juju, enabling service providers to quickly, easily, and cost effectively deploy new, tested, and validated services to subscribers. DataArt and Ixia will be highlighting this new solution during the SDN & OpenFlow World Congress to be held October 10 – 14, 2016 at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.

“Ixia and DataArt share a deep understanding of the challenges and competitive pressures faced by carriers today,” stated Scott Westlake, Vice President of Business Development for Ixia. “Together, we can offer carriers a real world solution that not only expedites the delivery of their services, but provides them with an advantage in a highly aggressive market.”

Ixia is also a member of the New IP Agency (NIA) and European Telecommunications Standards Institute’s (ETSI) NFV Industry Specifications Group. Ixia looks forward to contributing insights and expertise in NFV testing and validation to these and other organizations in order to accelerate the development and adoption of NFV.

About DataArt

DataArt is the technology consulting firm that creates end-to-end solutions, from concept and strategy, to design, implementation and support, helping global clients in finance, healthcare & life sciences, travel & hospitality, media & entertainment, telecom, and IoT sectors achieve important business outcomes. Rooted in deep domain knowledge and technology expertise, DataArt designs new products, modernizes enterprise systems and provides managed services delivered by outstanding development teams in the U.S., UK, Central and Eastern Europe, and Latin America. As a recognized leader in business and technology services, DataArt has earned the trust of some of the world’s leading brands and most discerning clients, including Nasdaq, S&P, Coller Capital, BankingUp, Ocado, artnet, Betfair, Skyscanner, Collette Vacations, Booker and Charles River Laboratories. http://www.dataart.com @dataart

About Ixia

Ixia (Nasdaq: XXIA) provides testing, visibility, and security solutions, strengthening applications across physical and virtual networks for enterprises, service providers, and network equipment manufacturers. Ixia offers companies trusted environments in which to develop, deploy, and operate. Customers worldwide rely on Ixia to verify their designs, optimize their performance, and ensure protection of their networks to make their applications stronger. Learn more at www.ixiacom.com.

Ixia, the Ixia logo, and IxLoad, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ixia in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.