2024 Showcase

2024 Carrier NaaS and New Middle Mile


Welcome to the NextGenInfra Carrier Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and New Middle Mile Showcase! We've captured videos from thought leaders in the carrier ecosystem on the current state of middle mile networks, and the role of NaaS. Many of the videos were captured at the Global NaaS Event (GNE) run by MEF. We appreciate the MEF leadership allowing the NextGenInfra crew to capture video interviews onsite. This showcase is your resource to learn about the resurgence of NaaS and related business and technology drivers that are impacting the middle mile, including generative AI (which apparently needs to be included in every technology showcase for the foreseeable future). But, of course, that's not the whole story...
To understand better, download our complimentary 2024 Carrier NaaS and New Middle Mile Report! We discuss the ongoing impact of drivers like cybersecurity, streaming media, industrial transformation, and... you guessed it, the sizable impact from AI on the middle mile. Plus, don't forget to check out the videos below.
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2024 Carrier NaaS

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Analysis by AvidThink

What the 2024 Carrier NaaS report finds

Carrier network-as-a-service is moving from concept to real deployments, driven by demand for on-demand, self-service connectivity and standardized APIs. Across these interviews, automation, MEF standards, federation among providers, and AI's impact on the middle mile emerge as the defining forces reshaping telco networks.

  1. MEF standards anchor NaaS

    MEF frames the shift with its 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint and four themes—on-demand connectivity, application performance guarantees, cybersecurity, and multi-cloud—while pushing LSO API automation and federation among providers, echoed by Console Connect's open-source LSO adapter.

  2. Automation and intent orchestration

    Blue Planet, Amartus, and DriveNets center NaaS on intent-based declarative orchestration, dynamic inventory, and AI-driven assurance, replacing manual provisioning with automated, on-demand service creation across network segments.

  3. Global fabric and federation

    BT's Global Fabric consolidates services on one programmable platform, Colt expands off-net global coverage, and Orange Business stresses modular Lego-block components for NaaS federations spanning multiple carriers.

  4. AI reshapes the middle mile

    Graphiant urges telcos to become TechCos by converting transit points into processing centers, while BT and AvidThink note AI may push processing to the edge, changing network topology and traffic patterns.

  5. Post-quantum security enters the network

    Arqit warns of quantum threats to RSA encryption and Sparkle launches Quantum Safe over Internet, an on-demand service combining post-quantum cryptography with networking for ultra-secure site-to-cloud connectivity.

  6. Monetization and consumption models

    ServiceNow and Versa Networks frame NaaS as an automation and monetization layer across the IT ecosystem, while Vertical Systems Group tracks its growth through SD-WAN, broadband, and Ethernet dedicated access.

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Highlights from industry thought leaders

Video interviews

Amartus

Simplifying NaaS for Enterprises

  • Amartus sees renewed NaaS interest and points to MEF initiatives advancing industry standards for the space.
  • Enterprise demand is growing for self-service networks, which Amartus simplifies through intent design and comprehensive connectivity solutions.
Abstract
Michael Kearns, Chief Strategy Officer at Amartus, explores the renewed interest in NaaS and MEF's initiatives to advance industry standards. Kearns emphasizes the growing demand for self-service networks and discusses his company's efforts to simplify the NaaS experience for enterprise customers through intent design and comprehensive connectivity solutions.
Arqit

Securing Data for the Post-Quantum Era

  • Arqit warns quantum computers increasingly threaten current encryption, citing Chinese academics' recent breakthroughs in breaking RSA codes.
  • Networks urgently need quantum-safe, post-quantum cryptography to defend against emerging quantum attacks.
Abstract
David Kettle, VP OEM and Channels at Arqit, discusses the increasing threat quantum computers pose to current encryption methods, highlighting recent breakthroughs by Chinese academics in breaking RSA codes. Kettle emphasizes the urgent need for implementing quantum-safe post-quantum cryptography solutions in the network.
Aryaka

Strategic Choices in Next-Gen NaaS

  • Aryaka charts the shift from office-based networks to cloudified, hybrid environments for enterprises.
  • Unified SASE as a Service builds on top of an underlying private core network layer, per Aryaka.
Abstract
Renuka Nadkarni, Chief Product Officer at Aryaka, explores the shift from traditional office-based networks to cloudified, hybrid environments and the emergence of Unified SASE as a Service that builds on top of an underlying private core network layer.
Blue Planet (a Ciena Company)

Intelligent Automation for NaaS

  • Blue Planet, a Ciena company, deploys NaaS across network segments built on three core aspects.
  • Those aspects are intent-based declarative orchestration, dynamic inventory capability, and AI-driven operations and assurance.
Abstract
Gabriele Di Piazza, Vice President of Products, Alliances & Architectures at Blue Planet, a Ciena Company, discusses the implementation of Network as a Service (NaaS) across various network segments, highlighting three core aspects: intent-based declarative orchestration, dynamic inventory capability, and AI-driven operations and assurance.
Blue Planet (a Ciena Company)

Intelligent Automation for NaaS (Extended Cut)

  • Blue Planet says NaaS tackles carrier challenges through automated service creation and delivery.
  • Core components include intent-based orchestration and AI-driven operations, with carriers drawn to on-demand services and new business models.
Abstract
In this Extended Cut video, Gabriele Di Piazza, Vice President of Products, Alliances & Architectures at Blue Planet (a Ciena Company), discusses how Network as a Service (NaaS) addresses key challenges faced by carriers through automated service creation and delivery. He highlights the core components of NaaS, including intent-based orchestration and AI-driven operations, while emphasizing the growing carrier interest in NaaS for its ability to enable quick, on-demand services and new business models.
BT Business

BT is Building a Global Fabric for NaaS

  • BT delivers carrier NaaS via its Global Fabric product, consolidating multiple services into a single platform.
  • BT's redesigned network prioritizes security, programmability, and sustainability while aligning with cloud providers' edges for global connectivity.
Abstract
Colin Bannon, CTO of BT, outlines the company's implementation of carrier Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) through their Global Fabric product, which consolidates multiple services into a single platform. BT's redesigned network prioritizes security, programmability, and sustainability, while aligning with cloud providers' edges to ensure global connectivity.
BT Business, AvidThink

AI's Network Impact: From Data Centers to the Edge

  • BT Business and AvidThink note future AI applications may require edge processing, reshaping network topology.
  • Modeling AI network needs is challenging, requiring understanding of use cases, AI model training, and data movement.
Abstract
Colin Bannon, CTO of BT Business, and Roy Chua, Principal and Founder of AvidThink, examine the changing AI landscape and its effects on network infrastructure, noting that future AI applications may require edge processing. They discuss the challenges in modeling AI network needs, emphasizing the importance of understanding use cases and their impact on network topology, while also exploring the complexities of AI model training and data movement.
Colt

Expanding NaaS Global Reach and Cloud Connectivity

  • Colt began its NaaS journey in 2015 with its own assets, later expanding to third-party resources.
  • Colt now offers global coverage through off-net connectivity and plans multi-cloud underlay capabilities for AI workflows.
Abstract
Mirko Voltolini, VP Innovation at Colt, outlines their NaaS journey since 2015, starting with their own assets and expanding to include third-party resources. Colt's NaaS platform now offers global coverage through off-net connectivity, and plans to develop multi-cloud underlay capabilities for AI workflows.
Console Connect

Standardizing APIs for NaaS

  • Console Connect runs an open-source LSO API adapter project to standardize APIs for buyers.
  • The effort aims to foster a more global NaaS ecosystem.
Abstract
Divesh Gupta, VP of New Technology & Sales Operations at Console Connect, discusses the company's open-source LSO API adapter project to standardize APIs for buyers and foster a more global NaaS ecosystem.
Console Connect

Fast Track for MEF LSO API Adoption

  • Console Connect sees NaaS moving from conceptual discussions to real-world applications.
  • Future inter-carrier collaborations will involve API-level integration for enhanced platform interoperability.
Abstract
Paul Gampe, CTO of Console Connect, discusses the increasing adoption of NaaS and the transition from conceptual discussions to real-world applications. He predicts future inter-carrier collaborations will involve API-level integration for enhanced platform interoperability.
DriveNets

Ultimate Carrier Service Agility

  • DriveNets advocates a software-centric, disaggregated approach for flexibility and service agility in middle mile networks.
  • The vision has NaaS reshaping carrier networks with AI-driven systems managing complex networks in real time.
Abstract
Dudy Cohen, VP of Product Marketing at DriveNets, emphasizes the importance of flexibility and service agility in modern middle mile networks, advocating for a software-centric, disaggregated approach. Dudy envisions a future where Network as a Service (NaaS) reshapes carrier networks, with AI-driven systems managing complex networks in real-time.
Graphiant

Telcos Must Transform into TechCos

  • Graphiant argues telcos should evolve into tech companies by shifting from data transit to data processing.
  • Converting transit and middle mile locations into processing centers lets providers join the AI data economy and B2B connectivity growth.
Abstract
Khalid Raza, CEO of Graphiant, outlines how telecom companies can evolve into technology companies by shifting focus from data transit to data processing. He proposes that service providers convert their transit points and middle mile locations into processing centers, enabling them to participate in the AI data economy and capitalize on business-to-business connectivity growth.
InsidePacket

Network-as-a-Service: Scaling for AI and Cloud Connectivity Demands

  • InsidePacket's NaaS platform runs on merchant silicon and white box hardware.
  • It targets growing demand for high-capacity connections, particularly in AI applications.
Abstract
Eli Karpilovski, CEO of InsidePacket, presents their network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform designed to run on merchant silicon and white box hardware, meeting the growing demand for high-capacity connections, particularly in AI applications.
iOPEX

The Future Directions of NaaS

  • iOPEX praises MEF's description of NaaS evolving from basic connectivity to multicloud networking and standardized offerings.
  • Improvement areas include clearer use cases, aligned AI infusion, and recognizing the need for optimization.
Abstract
Sanjay Mewada, Chief Growth Officer at iOPEX, commends MEF's comprehensive description of the NaaS domain and its evolution from basic connectivity to multicloud networking and standardized offerings. He identifies areas for improvement, including better articulation of use cases, alignment of AI infusion, and recognition of the need for optimization.
MEF

Enterprise Journey to Fully-Automated NaaS

  • MEF describes carrier NaaS as automating and connecting global underlays in a federated model supporting SD-WAN and network slicing.
  • MEF's vision spans four themes: on-demand connectivity, application performance guarantees, cybersecurity, and multi-cloud integration.
  • Automation and federation among NaaS providers are central to the approach.
Abstract
Pascal Menezes, CTO of MEF, discusses the industry's shift towards carrier NaaS, which involves automating and connecting global underlays in a federated model to support overlay models like SD-WAN and network slicing. Menezes outlines four major themes in MEF's NaaS vision: on-demand connectivity, application performance guarantees, cybersecurity, and multi-cloud integration, emphasizing the importance of automation and federation among NaaS providers.
MEF

Introducing MEF's NaaS Blueprint

  • MEF introduces its 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint, defining NaaS and its key components.
  • The blueprint guides service providers and partners in developing network services across a global ecosystem.
Abstract
Stan Hubbard, Principal Research Analyst at MEF, introduces their 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint, which defines NaaS and outlines its key components. The blueprint provides guidance for service providers and partners in developing network services across a global ecosystem.
MEF, Converge Network Digest

Driving API Automation and Enterprise Engagement

  • MEF's COO reports growing NaaS momentum at the Global MEF event.
  • Carriers and new entrants are increasingly prioritizing NaaS.
Abstract
Kevin Vachon, COO of MEF, does a walking interview with Jim Carroll, and highlights the growing momentum behind NaaS at the Global MEF event, noting increased prioritization among carriers and new entrants.
Nile

Campus NaaS Meets Carrier NaaS

  • Nile sees rising enterprise and carrier interest in Campus Network as a Service at the MEF GNE event.
  • It predicts a shift toward comprehensive NaaS and end-to-end security solutions in coming years.
Abstract
Suresh Katukam, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Nile, discusses the increasing interest in Campus Network as a Service (NaaS) from enterprises and carriers at the MEF GNE event. He predicts a shift towards comprehensive NaaS and end-to-end security solutions in the coming years.
Orange Business

AI and the Network Evolution Platform

  • Orange Business introduces its Evolution platform, positioning AI as central to enterprise digital infrastructure.
  • It envisions networks with intelligent routing and local inference based on application requirements to handle rising AI traffic.
Abstract
Usman Javaid, Chief Products & Marketing Officer at Orange Business, outlines the significance of AI in enterprise digital infrastructure and introduces the Evolution platform to address key customer needs. He explores how AI enhances network optimization and caters to increasing AI traffic demands, envisioning future networks capable of intelligent routing and local inference based on application requirements.
Orange Business

Lego Blocks for NaaS Federations

  • Orange Business stresses the significance of a NaaS Federation.
  • Modular components are needed across the NaaS ecosystem.
Abstract
Franck Morales, Vice President Evolution Platform at Orange Business, emphasizes the significance a NaaS Federation and the need for modular components in the NaaS ecosystem.
ServiceNow

Monetizing Network as a Service (NaaS)

  • ServiceNow highlights NaaS's significance in telecommunications amid growing network demands.
  • Service providers need to monetize their network investments.
Abstract
Rohit Batra, GM and VP of Manufacturing and Telecom, Media and Technology at ServiceNow, discusses the significance of NaaS in telecommunications, highlighting the growing network demands and the need for service providers to monetize investments.
Sparkle

Quantum-Safe Connectivity Demo

  • Sparkle introduces Quantum Safe over Internet, offering ultra-secure connectivity between sites, PoPs, or the cloud.
  • The service combines post-quantum security with networking, managed through an online portal.
Abstract
Ettore Pulieri, Product Manager at Sparkle, introduces Quantum Safe over Internet, a new product offering ultra-secure connectivity between customer sites, PoPs, or to the cloud. The service combines post-quantum security with networking technologies, allowing customers to configure and manage their ultra-secure protection through an online portal.
Sparkle

Empowering the Digital Economy with NaaS

  • Sparkle launched its NaaS product suite at the MEF GNE event in Dallas.
  • NaaS is framed as a digital-economy enabler, letting enterprises and providers choose network assets via web portal or APIs.
Abstract
Daniele Mancuso, Chief Marketing and Product Management at Sparkle, announces the launch of the company's NaaS suite of products at the MEF GNE event in Dallas. Mancuso emphasizes that NaaS is an enabler for the digital economy, allowing enterprises and providers to choose network assets via a web portal or APIs.
Sparkle

Quantum-Safe Network-as-a-Service

  • Sparkle's Quantum Safe over Internet is an on-demand service protecting against quantum computer attacks on network security.
Abstract
Antonella Sanguineti, Head of Product Management Secure Cloud & Networking Solutions at Sparkle, discusses the company's Quantum Safe over Internet product, an on-demand service designed to protect against quantum computer attacks on network security.
Telstra

Open API Strategy for Driving Innovation

  • Telstra pursues open APIs and composable architecture to compete against hyperscalers.
  • It is transitioning to a more flexible API structure to expose network services.
Abstract
Channa Seneviratne, Technology Engagement & Advancement Executive at Telstra, outlines the company's strategy for open APIs and composable architecture to enhance competitiveness against hyperscalers. He discusses Telstra's transition to a more flexible API structure to expose network services.
Versa Networks

NaaS will Automate the Entire Ecosystem

  • Versa Networks sees NaaS expanding beyond connectivity to a broader range of endpoints and services.
  • NaaS becomes an abstraction layer integrating network types and leveraging automation across the IT ecosystem.
Abstract
Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa Networks, explores the expansion of NaaS beyond traditional connectivity to encompass a broader range of endpoints and services. He anticipates NaaS evolving into an abstraction layer that integrates various network types and leverages automation across the IT ecosystem to optimize performance for businesses.
Vertical Systems Group

Tracking NaaS as a Consumption Model

  • Vertical Systems Group examines the complexity of monitoring NaaS and reports significant SD-WAN services growth.
  • Broadband and Ethernet Dedicated Internet Access are key drivers of network services expansion.
Abstract
Erin Dunne, Director of Research Services at Vertical Systems Group, examines the complexities of monitoring NaaS and reports significant growth in related SD-WAN services. Her analysis highlights the importance of broadband and Ethernet Dedicated Internet Access as key factors driving the expansion of network services.
Reader feedback on our 2024 Carrier NaaS/Middle Mile Report: "Love the different perspectives on current trends", "Broad view of the different aspects of the ecosystem". Grab your copy now and send us your feedback!
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