Network Processing Forum Introduces Differentiated Services API
New Specification Facilitates Use of Network Processing Technologies by System OEMs Creating DiffServ Solutions
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 2004-- The Network Processing Forum (NPF) today announced the introduction of the DiffServ Services API Implementation Agreement (IA). Differentiated Services (DiffServ) is an architecture for maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) in IP networks. By developing the DiffServ Services API, the NPF created a standard interface that when implemented by network processing hardware and software vendors will create an ecosystem of interchangeable components that can be used to build networking systems with QoS capabilities. The availability of compatible components will make it easier for System OEMs to select network processing-based elements and speed the development of networking solutions capable of processing DiffServ protocols. The DiffServ Services API IA is available free of charge on the NPF web site at http://www.npforum.org/techinfo/approved.shtml.
"The NPF is pleased to add the DiffServ Services API to our growing portfolio of software API's for today's leading networking applications," said Russ Dietz, board member of the NPF. "Each new IA expands the universe of interoperable network processing technologies and makes it easier and more cost effective for System OEMs to use network processing components."
The DiffServ Services API (SAPI) enables applications to communicate QoS parameters to network processing elements that results in differentiated classes of service for IP traffic. Complementing the work of other standard bodies such as IETF, the IA provides programming interfaces to specify DiffServ Behavioral Aggregates (BA). The API is designed for the management of DiffServ policies and QoS objects. It defines how to specify filters, how to query DiffServ capability profiles, and how to gather DiffServ-related statistics. The specification enables customers to implement DiffServ service level agreements (SLAs) in a standardized way.
"The DiffServ API will facilitate the use of network processing technologies in providing advanced QoS solutions," said Vinoj Kumar, chair of the NPF software working group. "As the number of standard API's grows, more System OEMs will find that the ROI of using network processing technologies is becoming more and more compelling."
About the Network Processing Forum
Founded in 2001, the Network Processing Forum (NPF) is an international industry consortium of networking semiconductor, software and OEM manufacturers accelerating the adoption of network processing technologies through the development and implementation of network processing standards and benchmarks. By establishing standard interfaces and benchmarks, the NPF helps semiconductor manufacturers, software developers, services companies and system OEMs lower development costs, shorten design cycles, reduce product time-to-market and increase product time-in-market. The Forum includes members from around the world that provide network processing products and services globally. For more information, visit the NPF Website at www.npforum.org.
The Network Processing Forum (NPF) name and logo are trademarks of the Network Processing Forum. Other names mentioned may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contacts
McKie/Headstrom PR
Tim Yankey, 408-267-4734 ext. 3
tim@mhpr.com
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