Frequently asked questions

HP Interop New York 2013 Announcement September 2013

General

Q: What is being announced?

A: We are announcing the creation of the HP Open SDN Ecosystem—including an HP SDN Developer Kit, SDN App Store, and SDN services to deliver an enterprise-ready platform to easily develop, test, and deploy SDN applications for the data center, campus, and branch.

HP is also continuing its leadership in helping customers on the SDN journey by:

• Delivering SDN-ready infrastructure with the expansion of OpenFlow capability to 10 new MSR routers

• Extending assessment, design, implementation, integration, optimization, and support services to include the new ecosystem elements

• Demonstrating a new SDN application for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

HP is delivering these new solutions to help customers along the SDN journey and push the market forward. With these new solutions, SDN is now an enterprise-ready solution.

HP Open SDN Ecosystem

Q: What is the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: HP is launching a new open ecosystem to build and deploy new SDN solutions. This new ecosystem spurs SDN innovation with tools to develop and commercialize SDN applications. The community comprises customers, channel partners, application developers, systems integrators, and anyone interested in SDN innovation.

Key elements of the ecosystem include:

• SDN App Store − Technology partners − Platform to share innovations − SDN-enabled networks

• SDN Developer Kit − Tools to develop SDN apps − Simulation and app validation − Community for collaboration − Developer support services

• HP open infrastructure solutions − Supporting OpenFlow, overlays, and Network

Function Virtualization (NFV) • HP assessment, design, implementation, integration,

optimization, and support services

Figure 1. The Open SDN Ecosystem

Q: How can one participate in the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: Interested parties can visit sdndevcenter.com to find out how to start participating. The ecosystem is open to anyone—from large organizations to individual developers.

Q: Which are the organizations that have joined the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: There has been a very high level of interest to join the SDN ecosystem from partners and many different organizations, small and large.

Initial launch partners include Citrix, F5, Riverbed, VMware, SAP, Ecode Networks, Tallac Networks, Real Status, QOSMOS, Intel, BlueCoat, BlueCat, Radware, Infranics, MIMOS, RMIT University, Tech Mahindra, Microsoft, Versatile, Telefonica, Mitel, Shoretel, and Websense. View the complete list of HP SDN app partners with app innovation highlights.

Enterprise ready

Open innovation

All SDN-enabled devices

Partners

SDN App Store

Open

Simulate and validate

Develop

CollaborateSDN Developer Kit

Simple

Campus, branch and data center

Switching and routing

Over 25 million ports

Overlay

VXLAN, NVGRE

Underlay

Design, implementation,

and support services

Figure 2. The founding members of the Open SDN Ecosystem

Q: How can one join the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: Anyone can join the Open SDN Ecosystem by visiting sdndevcenter.com.

Technology partners interested in developing SDN applications or services are encouraged to join the HP AllianceOne Networking Specialization program. To know the full details on the benefits of HP AllianceOne or join the program, visit the HP AllianceOne Networking homepage.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: The new ecosystem can be found online at sdndevcenter.com.

Q: What types of solutions are development partners looking to create?

A: The initial development partners are in various stages of supporting the ecosystem—spanning data center, campus, and branch environments. More details will be available when the SDN App Store becomes available.

Q: What benefits will existing AllianceOne partners receive by joining the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: They will have the opportunity to align with the leading vendor supporting an open SDN network—that extends from the branch through campus and wireless to the data center. The AllianceOne partners will also have the opportunity to expose their product to a wider audience and increase sales. Moreover, their products gain differentiation through SDN innovation.

In addition, select AllianceOne partners will receive access to tools such as the SDN Virtual Lab, equipment discounts, and the option to sell their applications through the SDN App Store.

HP SDN Developer Kit

Q: What is the SDN Developer Kit?

The SDN Developer Kit is a set of resources that enable members of the Open SDN Ecosystem to start developing SDN applications.

The key components of the SDN Developer Kit include:

• Development Suite

− APIs and documentation − Developer guide − GUI documentation − HP Virtual Application Networks (VAN) SDN Controller

(unlicensed) − Development framework

• Simulation Suite

− HP SDN Simulator with the VAN SDN Controller and Mininet network simulation software

• Validation Suite

− HP SDN Validation Test

− SDN Virtual Lab

• Open SDN Ecosystem community resources

− SDN community forum

− Knowledge base

• Additional resources

− SDN certification

− Training

− Services and support

Q: What is the Development Suite?

A: The Development Suite provides all of the tools necessary to write SDN applications. The suite provides VAN SDN Controller APIs, documentation, tools, and a development framework to start writing code.

Q: What is the Simulation Suite?

A: You can download the controller software directly into your development environment and simulate networks with network simulation tools, such as Mininet.

Q: What is the Validation Suite?

A: An HP Validation Test, along with the SDN Virtual Lab, for testing SDN application functionality and interoperability across HP and third-party applications—in a readymade environment that simulates user conditions.

Figure 3. The SDN Developer Kit

SIMPLIFICATION

• RESTful APIs

• Developer guide

• Sample code

Develop

• Community portal

• Knowledge base

• Training and services

Collaborate

• SDN Simulator

• SDN Virtual Lab

• Validation Test

Simulate and validate

NEW

2

Q: Where can I find the SDN Developer Kit? And what is the cost?

A: HP is distributing the SDN Developer Kit free of charge at sdndevcenter.com. Though the VAN SDN Controller can be included in the kit, it must be purchased in order to be licensed and supported. And access to some components, such as the Virtual Lab, requires participation in the AllianceOne Networking Specialization program.

Q: When will the SDN Developer Kit be available?

A: The components of the developer kit will be available on the following timeline:

• Development Suite: November 2013

• Simulation Suite: November 2013

• Validation Suite: 1H 2014

• devcenter.hp.com: Now

HP SDN App Store

Q: What is the SDN App Store?

A: The SDN App Store will be an enterprise-ready marketplace for SDN applications. Developers can submit validated applications for commercial distribution to customers.

Q: What are the benefits to developers?

A: With the SDN App Store, developers get a robust marketplace to share their SDN innovations. Never before has there been a platform to enable distribution of this kind of innovation in the networking industry.

The HP SDN App Store allows developers to monetize their innovations and retain a majority of the revenue. HP will provide the front- and back-end infrastructure and platform in return for a portion of sales on the SDN App Store.

Q: Will HP sell, support, and promote my applications?

A: HP will provide opportunities for partners—who are part of the AllianceOne program—to promote their applications through joint marketing content on the SDN App Store and newsletters to the HP sales channel. HP will also invite eligible partners to participate at HP events, such as Discover, and in the regional HP Discovery Labs. While some of these activities will require a fee to participate, some will be offered free to select/strategic partners contributing apps that create the most value for our clients.

Q: What are the go-to-market advantages? For example, what is the HP offering that helps ensure partner ROI in supporting the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: By getting in at the start with the leader in open SDN networks, you will gain additional awareness—especially through the momentum that will be generated with this announcement. If the app you create drives sales of solutions including HP SDN networks, we will collaborate with you on further joint go-to-market activities that will benefit both HP and you.

Q: What are the benefits to customers?

A: Enterprise customers can easily deploy validated and supported SDN applications in their networks—with confidence. The SDN App Store solves the dilemma faced by those who want to deploy SDN today by delivering a complete solution that is enterprise ready. Customers can also access HP services and support through the SDN App Store.

Q: What are the key features of the SDN App Store?

A: The SDN App Store allows customers to browse and install SDN applications directly on their VAN SDN Controllers. Apps are organized into these relevant categories:

• HP developed and supported

• Jointly developed and supported by HP and a partner

• Developed and supported by a partner or the Open SDN Ecosystem community

Figure 4. The enterprise-ready SDN App Store

Q: When will the SDN App Store be live and available for app downloads?

A: The SDN App Store is expected to be available in 1H 2014.

SIMPLIFICATION

• Browse and search

• Install directly onto the SDN controller

Accessible

• HP developed

• Joint developed

• Partner validated

Supported

• Partner developed

• Community apps

• Private portal

Open

NEW

3

Figure 5. HP SDN App Store Screenshot

HP SDN infrastructure support

Q: How is HP delivering infrastructure to support SDN?

A: The HP networking portfolio supports key technologies for enabling SDN.

HP has over 50 OpenFlow-enabled switches and 10 new OpenFlow-enabled routers to facilitate SDN programmability via an open-standards-based interface.

HP is also a strong supporter of overlay technologies, including VXLAN and NVGRE. The HP 5930 Switch (available as on Dec. 2013) supports VXLAN technology. The HP Virtual Cloud Networks SDN Application delivers automation and scale, utilizing overlay technologies, and integrates with OpenStack for cloud environments.

Moreover, HP has partnered with VMware to deliver a federated network virtualization and SDN solution that takes advantage of overlay technologies. In addition, the HP Virtual Services Router (VSR) enables NFV to further automate, scale, and simplify the network, while reducing costs. And finally, HP offers services and support for the HP SDN-enabled networking portfolio.

Q: What product models support OpenFlow?

A: HP has over 50 OpenFlow-enabled switch models and 10 OpenFlow-enabled router models.

The following models have free OpenFlow software available today:

• 2920 Series Switches

• 3500 Series Switches

• 3800 Series Switches

• 5400 Series Switches

• 6200 Series Switches

• 6600 Series Switches

• 8200 Series Switches

The following models are OpenFlow-enabled and can be upgraded to support OpenFlow with a free software download when available:

• 5500 EI/HI Series Switches (Q1 2014)

• FlexFabric 5900 Series Switches (Q4 2013)

• FlexFabric 5920 Series Switches (Q4 2013)

• 10500 Series Switches (Q1 2014)

• FlexFabric 11900 Series Switches (Q1 2014)

• FlexFabric 12500 Series Switches (Q1 2014)

• FlexFabric 12900 Series Switches (Q1 2014)

• MSR93x Router Series (On the roadmap)

• MSR2000 Router Series (On the roadmap)

• MSR3000 Router Series (On the roadmap)

• MSR4000 Router Series (On the roadmap)

• VSR Router Series (On the roadmap) Q: What product models support overlay technologies?

A: The HP FlexFabric 5930 Switch (December 2013) will be the first product to support VXLAN technology.

Figure 6. SDN infrastructure support

Q: Why do I need SDN support on my infrastructure?

A: Deploying SDN-enabled infrastructure provides investment protection by ensuring that the network infrastructure can support SDN applications as they become available. SDN has key applications across the data center, campus, and branch. Ensuring that the switching and routing infrastructure supports end-to-end SDN allows you to deploy SDN across the entire network. Q: How many customers are using OpenFlow today?

A: HP has over 25 million OpenFlow-enabled ports in the marketplace. These customers have the ability to update their device software to enable OpenFlow at no cost. Exact numbers on how many customers have enabled OpenFlow are not available.

Community Certified HP

Over 25 million HP OpenFlow ports

Overlay

Underlay

VXLAN, NVGRE

• Overlay enabled

• OpenFlow enabled

HP Switches

• Overlay enabled

• OpenFlow enabled

Third party

• Delivering NFV

• OpenFlow enabled

HP Routers

NEW

VM VM VM

4

HP Virtual Application Networks (VAN) SDN Controller

Q: What is the VAN SDN Controller?

A: The VAN SDN Controller is the central building block of an HP SDN solution. The controller operating in an OpenFlow-enabled network provides simplified management, provisioning, and orchestration in the SDN architecture.

Networking applications for all types of network environments—including service provider and enterprise environments, as well as data center, campus, and branch focused applications—can be implemented with the controller. The VAN SDN Controller Software provides a unified control point.

Q: What are the key features for the VAN SDN Controller?

A: Some of the key features of the controller include:

• Centralized automation for your SDN-enabled network • Compliant with OpenFlow 1.0 and 1.3 protocols • Support for over 50 OpenFlow-enabled HP switch

models • Open APIs that enable third-party SDN application

development • Extensible, scalable, and resilient controller architecture Q: What are the key differentiators?

A: The VAN SDN Controller offers open APIs for customers and third parties to build applications. And business applications can interface directly with the controller for network-aware applications.

Q: Can the controller work with third-party equipment?

A: Yes. Any third-party infrastructure supporting the corresponding version of the OpenFlow standard is supported.

Q: What products and solutions has HP announced in support of the VAN SDN Controller?

A: In August 2013, HP and VMware announced plans to collaborate to deliver the industry’s first federated network solution, designed to provide customers unified automation of, and visibility into, their physical and virtual data center networks—enabling business agility and improving business continuity.

Q: How will the controller be made available?

A: The controller will be offered as a licensable software .

Q: How is the controller managed?

A: The controller will be managed by the HP Intelligent Management center (IMC) and the VAN SDN Manager, along with its own GUI.

Q: What open standards does the controller leverage?

A: OpenFlow 1.0 and 1.3.

Q: When will the VAN SDN controller be available?

A: The VAN SDN controller will be available for sale in November, 2014.

Q: What are the different types of licenses that are available for the controller and the pricing?

Table 1.

Product code Description NTE pricing J9863AAE HP VAN SDN base software

w/50-node E-LTU $495 USD

J9864AAE HP VAN SDN Controller 50-node E-LTU $4,990 USD

J9865AAE HP VAN SDN Controller HA E-LTU $9,990 USD

HP MSR router update

Q: What new HP routers are being announced?

A: HP is introducing the next generation of multi-service router series that features high-performance integrated modular routers that deliver unmatched application performance for small, medium, and large branch locations.

The new routers include:

• MSR 93x Series • MSR 2000 Series • MSR 3000 Series • MSR 4000 Series

These next-generation HP MSR routers deliver integrated routing, switching, security, wireless WAN (3G and 4G LTE), Voice E1/T1, FXO, FXS, OC-3c/STM-1, T3/E3, PRI, serial, and Gigabit WAN/LAN connectivity options.

Q: What are the features and benefits of the new MSR Routers?

A: The next-generation MSR products raise the bar on routing price/performance by delivering up to 6X the performance at 73 percent less cost than completive routing products.1 Moreover, customers who are moving

1 HP MSR4000 is up to 6X better performing than Cisco ISR 3945; HP MSR2000 is up to 73% less expensive than Cisco ISR 1900; HP analysis based on public data, 2013.

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toward SDN can be confident that their MSR Comware v7 routing investment is protected. The MSR routers provide an agile, flexible network infrastructure that quickly adapts to your changing business requirements, while delivering integrated, concurrent services on a single, easy-to-manage platform.

Q: Do the new MSR Routers support SDN?

A: Yes. The MSR 2000, 3000, and 4000 Series are OpenFlow enabled.

Figure 7. The new HP MSR Router Series

Q: Where can I get more information about the HP MSR Router announcement? A: Please visit: hp.com/networking/routers

Certification and training

Q: What training course or resources is HP building to help me build SDN applications? And when will they be available? A: The HP SDN Learning Journey curriculum has three defined steps to prepare, engage, and deliver SDN solutions. It combines traditional networks with SDN architectures.

Q: What training courses or resources are being developed by HP to help me understand how to select and deploy SDN applications into my infrastructure?

Figure 8. HP SDN certification and training

Q: And when will they be available?

• SDN Learning Journey curriculum: Now

• SDN Certification: From December 2013

Services and support

Q: What level of support will HP provide for third-party developed SDN apps?

A: Under the VAN SDN Controller warranty or Care Pack service, HP will determine if the problem is with the HP Controller or with the applications. If the problem is with the app, the customer will be directed to the developer’s support.

Q: What services are offered for HP SDN apps?

A: HP offers 24x7 and 9x5 software support for apps developed by HP. HP also offers consulting in the form of HP Networking assessment, design, advanced implementation, configuration, integration, and optimization services for the HP FlexNetwork products—which include the VAN SDN Controller and the HP-developed network applications available for use with that controller.

Q: Which apps will HP select for joint or collaborative support services?

A: Selected AllianceOne partners will be invited to work closer with HP, based on initial app sales and the potential future impact of the app on the HP business.

Q: What is HP doing to help customers and the participants in the Open SDN Ecosystem explore and understand how they can take advantage of the HP SDN vision and HP Networking SDN products?

A: HP provides an SDN Connectivity Transformation Experience Workshop, which delivers a highly interactive and meaningful one-day session. The workshop enables the customer’s IT, business, and executive stakeholders to explore a network transformation journey to business-aligned connectivity—drawing parallels to specific customer situations with the vast experience HP has acquired, working with businesses across the globe. HP technology consultants lead discussions on the potential implications that new network technologies, such as SDN, may present to IT, the network staff, and the business.

• Delivering NFV

• Virtual Branch CPE

• Rapid deployment

Virtual Services Router

• Converged branch

• Up to 6X2 the performance and up to 27%3 lower cost

• Single license and single-pane-of-glass management

MSR 2000, 3000, 4000

VSR

NEW

• Understand your network and SDN

• Start now with OpenFlow and SDK

Prepare

• Earn SDN certification

• Deploy SDN applications

Deliver

• Take SDN deployment courses

• Take SDN development courses

Engage

2 HP MSR 4000 compared with Cisco ISR 3900 3 HP MSR 2000 compared with Cisco ISR 1900

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The workshop is designed to help customers and their application development leadership teams explore and understand how IT can heighten business efficiency and effectiveness through services enabled by innovation and differentiated business models.

At the end of the session, the customer has an IT vision aligned to the business; an initiative roadmap based on their goals, constraints, and short-term opportunities; and actionable recommendations to move their network transformation forward.

Q: How will the SDN Developer Support work?

Developers would have a service agreement with HP. And they will have phone-in access, based on their service contract ID, using which they can get:

• 24x7 tech support with two-hour call back from HP Developer support

• Priority forum response with four-hour call back

The support includes:

• Explaining and clarifying APIs, software documentation, and sample applications

• Troubleshooting their apps and the HP controllers, as well as developing workarounds when needed

• Sharing best practices, knowledge, and development expertise

• Self-validation testing assistance

HP resellers and channel partners

Q: How will HP channel partners benefit from the Open SDN Ecosystem?

A: Partners are a critical component of the customer experience and enable us to meet customer demand globally. HP partners provide:

• Local customer relationships and expertise • Personalized reach • Choice of complementary services HP is committed to our channel being an integral part of our Open SDN Ecosystem—by engaging with us on HP SDN equipment and application sales. Stay tuned to PartnerOne for updates.

For more information

To learn more, visit hp.com/sdn or contact:

Jacob Rapp Manager, SDN Product Marketing jacob.h.rapp@hp.com Steve Brar Manager, Product Marketing steve.brar@hp.com

© Copyright 2013 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

September 2013