The Open Compute Project (OCP) and the shift to virtualized functions using SDN and NFV is driving a complete change in the architecture of telecom data centers and telecom infrastructure. Rack-scale architectures, modular servers and rack-mount appliance platforms are the leading COTS solutions for the New IP infrastructure being developed today. These platforms are replacing blade servers and ATCA for many telecom functions including security appliances, application servers and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC).
The rapid rise in the use of Internet and cloud-based services from companies such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft and the development by these companies of hyperscale data centers to support the services has created challenges and opportunities for telecom service providers. Facebook and Microsoft have specified modular, rack-scale server platforms to meet their specific requirements and made these designs available to multiple suppliers through OCP. This approach has dramatically reduced their costs by removing unnecessary features and expanding the supplier base.