More Companies Recognize the Value of Standards-Based Solutions

By John Fryer, SA Forum

Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) high-availability software has experienced significant development and growth recently. Industries such as telecommunications, military, and aerospace are increasingly recognizing the benefits of implementing standards-based solutions. As companies look for new, innovative ways to differentiate products, reduce time-to-market, and improve their bottom lines, they are turning to standards-based software for their service availability needs.

The SA Forum has observed trend-setting changes recently. In February, Ericsson became the first major equipment manufacturer to announce deployment of OpenSAF technology, which incorporates SA Forum specifications in carrier networks. Weeks later, SA Forum member company GoAhead Software announced its shift to an open source business model with the acquisition of the Avantellis product line from Emerson Network Power. Responding to market developments and the rapid growth and adoption of OpenSAF technology in commercial deployments, GoAhead is now incorporating OpenSAF in its standards-based software solutions.

These recent activities demonstrate an industry-wide recognition that standards-based solutions are an increasingly practical and deployable option for next-generation networks. High-availability middleware offers companies compelling benefits; using reliable, tested solutions reduces risk, cost, and time-to-market, allowing companies to focus on differentiating their products rather than on platform integration. With such clear technological and financial advantages in view, more companies are choosing standards-based solutions for their products.

To take part in an ongoing discussion of standards-based solutions, join the SA Forum LinkedIn group, Service Availability Forum Professionals. We welcome you to share information and discover how service availability solutions can help companies better serve their customers and advance their industries.

John Fryer is president of the Service Availability Forum. He is also VP Business Development at GoAhead Software. You can reach him at jfryer@goahead.com.