Network Virtualization at AT&T Yields Services

AT&T says that by year-end it will begin to roll out the first services based on its new virtual network, which is controlled mostly by software rather than hardware.

Beyond lowering costs and speeding the deployment of services, the shift makes it possible for customers to manage their telecom services on their own, in real time, over the cloud. AT&T's ability to more easily manipulate network equipment using software means that business customers can get new service in just a couple of days instead of 60 to 90 days, said John Donovan, senior executive vice president of AT&T architecture, technology and operations. And now, in minutes, customers will be able to increase bandwidth, which once took 30 to 45 days, he added.