NTT has developed a network OS “Beluganos”, and NTT Advanced Technology (NTT-AT) has started selling it on March 31st.

The network infrastructure that NTT aims for is one that is open and separates hardware and software.
On the other hand, the current mainstream network equipment is a dedicated device that integrates hardware and software, and the operating system is often tightly coupled with the dedicated equipment. In other words, each vendor is vertically integrated.

One of the challenges of vertical integration is that it is highly dependent on vendors, so minor modifications and feature development take time and cost.
The way to change this situation is to separate hardware and software so that network operating systems run on top of open hardware, known as white-box device support.
For example, when you want to use a certain network OS, you can freely choose inexpensive hardware or high-performance hardware depending on the application.
Beluganos provides such a flexible environment. Beluganos is Layer 2 and Layer 3 software for routers and switches.
Takeshi Tomochika, general manager of the company’s technology planning division, points out the features of Beluganos, saying, “By leveraging the NTT Group’s operational know-how, maintenance, operation and monitoring functions have been strengthened.” He also explained, “According to our trial calculation, TCO (Total Cost Ownership) can be reduced by 20% compared to dedicated equipment that integrates hardware and software.”

In addition, NTT Communications (NTT Com) has decided to introduce it commercially, and is conducting verification for commercial introduction.
NTT, NTT Com, and NTT-AT will work together to supply the market with a network OS that has the reliability and functionality confirmed through its introduction to NTT Com.
Main targets are communication carriers, data center operators, and ISPs.
Domestic sales will be handled by NTT-AT, but overseas expansion will be promoted in cooperation with IP Infusion, a global partner.