Onboarding a virtual network function (VNF) to an individual operator’s network function virtualisation (NFV) infrastructure and management environment is a time-consuming and expensive integration exercise. This constrains communications service providers (CSPs) from introducing new VNFs, especially from multiple vendors – a key original goal of NFV. A slow convergence on a consensus approach to describing VNFs, as well as new tool chains and integration approaches can help to ease the problem.

This report provides:

• an overview of the challenges facing the industry with respect to VNF onboarding and lifecycle management
• the top considerations that CSPs and vendors must make to alleviate these challenges
• recommendations for CSPs and vendors.