HP has announced the general availability of its software-defined networking (SDN) app store from 1 October, in a move aimed at boosting its range of software-based innovations for customers and partners.
The company says the store "provides HP's ecosystem partners a go-to-market platform together with consulting and support services that will enable customers to uncover the business value of SDN".
Antonio Neri, senior VP and GM of servers and networking at HP, says customers have shown an eagerness to transform network architecture into a competitive advantage - something made possible by SDN. "With the HP SDN App Store, we have completed the final piece of the SDN ecosystem by offering a vibrant, robust marketplace of innovations that supports more than five million users and provides support to customers as they migrate to SDN."
HP cites an IDC prediction that indicates the market for SDN network applications will reach $1.1 billion by 2017, increasing network application vendors' need for a scalable, open marketplace to monetise their innovations. "As the first enterprise-grade SDN application ecosystem in the market, the HP SDN app store redefines the networking business model, offering the developer community a centralised platform connecting to customers around the world," says HP in a statement.
The company adds customers can now "discover, learn and purchase specific network applications and download them to their environment for testing and live deployment".
Getting ahead
Neri says transformed network architecture through SDN is a means for businesses to gain a competitive advantage over rivals. Meanwhile, HP notes the growing networking mechanism will pave the way for more efficient transitions that enterprises need to address, including security, cloud, mobility and big data.
HP says it will offer four different categories of applications defined by their support and test process:
*The HP Circle, with applications built and tested exclusively by the company.
* The Premium Circle, containing applications that are top sellers and jointly tested by HP and its partners.
* The Partner Circle, encompassing applications that have been self-tested by HP partners and reviewed by HP.
* The Community Circle, offering open-access and community-supported applications to demonstrate open source and concept SDN applications.
The HP SDN app store will be generally available on 1 October.
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