MEF GNE 2024: NaaS success hinges on API-driven interoperability, automation and AI connectivity

Analysys Mason attended MEF’s Global NaaS Event (GNE) in Dallas, Texas from 28–30 October 2024. This unique, network-as-a-service (NaaS)-focused event brought together the NaaS ecosystem, including service providers, vendors and hyperscalers.

MEF has evolved from developing carrier Ethernet standards to enabling dynamic, automated and interoperable NaaS solutions using frameworks such as Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO), as well as test and certification activities. The MEF community and broader NaaS ecosystem have laid solid foundations and made significant progress towards executing the NaaS vision. However, much work remains to shape enterprise connectivity services for AI, autonomous networks and multi-cloud networking. This article discusses the main developments highlighted during the event and analyses the takeaways.