Virtual network functions (VNFs) have a lot of potential to simplify networking in the enterprise because they replace physical appliances with software that is simpler to deploy and manage. The challenge many IT organizations face is that they are not prepared to manage a lot of VNFs. FatPipe Networks today moved to address that challenge […]
Virtual network functions (VNFs) have a lot of potential to simplify networking in the enterprise because they replace physical appliances with software that is simpler to deploy and manage. The challenge many IT organizations face is that they are not prepared to manage a lot of VNFs. FatPipe Networks today moved to address that challenge by introducing FatPipe VNF, a multi-function implementation of a VNF that combines routing, firewall, security, deep packet inspection, quality of service (QoS), WAN optimization and Domain Name System (DNS) management in a single VNF that can be deployed on top of a FatPipe software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN).
FatPipe Networks CTO Sanch Datta says it’s already apparent that the SD-WAN and network function virtualization (NFV) platforms that are employed to run VNFs are starting to converge. To accelerate that process within the enterprise, FatPipe Networks created a multi-function VNF that enables organizations to employ their SD-WANs as an NFV platform.
Datta says FatPipe Networks expects FatPipe VNF to appeal more to enterprises than telecommunications carriers that are trying to create networks based on isolated VNF services. Enterprise IT organizations are more interested in deriving the benefits of VNFs in the simplest way possible.
In some cases, Datta says IT organizations will opt to deploy and manage VNFs themselves. But those same organizations will also wind up consuming network and security services enabled by VNFs that are provided by carriers and other managed service providers.
“They will mix and match them over time,” says Datta.
Datta notes that FatPipe VNF is also designed to be extensible in that it can be used to host third-party VNFs as well.
It may still take a while for VNFs to take over enterprise networks. But as networks continue to transform from being based on hardware to a set of application services, it’s now only a matter of time before many of the physical appliances that today clog enterprise networks start to slowly disappear.
Michael Vizard is a seasoned IT journalist, with nearly 30 years of experience writing and editing about enterprise IT issues. He is a contributor to publications including Programmableweb, IT Business Edge, CIOinsight and UBM Tech. He formerly was editorial director for Ziff-Davis Enterprise, where he launched the company’s custom content division, and has also served as editor in chief for CRN and InfoWorld. He also has held editorial positions at PC Week, Computerworld and Digital Review.
The go-to resource for IT professionals from all corners of the tech world looking for cutting edge technology solutions that solve their unique business challenges. We aim to help these professionals grow their knowledge base and authority in their field with the top news and trends in the technology space.
Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.
