As networks transition from traditional setups to cloud-native architectures, a significant challenge for service providers arises: creating a data foundation capable of supporting both contemporary cloud-native tasks and future AI-driven network automation, all while ensuring global reliability.
In June 2023, Nokia addressed this challenge by designating Red Hat OpenShift as its primary reference platform for core network applications and selecting Pure Storage as the data infrastructure foundation for its telco cloud developments. The collaboration seeks to provide a reference architecture for modern service providers, spanning edge to core to cloud, with a focus on security, scalability and operational consistency.
Nokia's dedication to Red Hat OpenShift aims to offer a consistent, carrier-grade framework for cloud-native network functions (CNFs) and autonomous network applications. Pure Storage anchors the data layer, aiming to deliver predictable outcomes through comprehensive lifecycle management across multiple sites and CNFs.
At its core, this solution is engineered primarily on Red Hat OpenShift, with Nokia's CNFs receiving support from the Pure Storage FlashArray data infrastructure. This setup aims for a consistent operational model across sites, important for service providers operating numerous network nodes.
Instead of relying on fragmented storage strategies from legacy infrastructures, a unified data layer permits service providers to achieve predictable scaling and consistent operations, whether at the edge or centralised cloud resources.
This reference architecture intends to provide:
- Fast and efficient: All-flash technology ensures the speed needed for telco workloads, while data reduction improves storage cost efficiency.
- Non-disruptive upgrades: Seamless hardware and software updates improve safety and uptime.
- Lower running costs: Efficient flash technology and automation reduces support tickets and recovery times, increasing overall utilisation rates.
Working in synergy with Nokia's lifecycle-managed approach on Red Hat OpenShift, the solution provides service providers with technical consistency and commercial flexibility.
Nokia's iteration utilising Red Hat OpenShift combined with Pure Storage reached Ready for Sale status in December. Global pre-sales teams are already incorporating Pure Storage, with general availability anticipated for April 2026. Service providers have the flexibility to engage via a Nokia-led solution that incorporates Pure Storage or acquire Pure Storage directly while adhering to Nokia’s reference guidance.
This approach provides a reference for telecommunication infrastructure in the cloud-native era, offering a unified, repeatable design for both current applications and future AI-driven network capabilities.
