Open Networking Foundation

The Open Networking Foundation (ONF) is a nonprofit, mutually beneficial trade organization, founded by Deutsche Telekom, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Verizon, and Yahoo! to improve networking through Software Defined Networking (SDN).^[2] The standards-setting and SDN-promotion group was formed out of recognition that cloud computing will blur the distinctions between computers and networks.^[3] The initiative is meant to speed innovation through simple software changes in telecommunications networks, wireless networks, data centers and other networking areas.^[4] Member companies include many networking-equipment vendors, semiconductor companies, computer companies, software companies, startups, telecom service providers, hyperscale data-center operators, and enterprise users; a full list of members may be viewed on the organization's membership page. Google's system-wide adoption of ONF's OpenFlow software in 2012 was discussed by Urs Hölzle at the Open Networking Summit in April, 2012.^[5] Hölzle is Chairman/President of ONF's board of directors, serving on the Board along with representatives of the other five founding board members and NTT Communications Corp; Stanford professor Nick McKeown and U.C. Berkeley professor Scott Shenker also serve on the board as founding directors representing themselves.^[1]

References