MEF, founded in 2001 and originally known as the Metro Ethernet Forum, is an industry association that develops global standards for network, cloud and security services, aiming to accelerate adoption and ensure reliable, secure and scalable services. Now simply known as MEF, the organization focuses on driving a framework for standardized service definitions, service lifecycle management and interoperability across various network types, including Ethernet, SD-WAN and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge).
MEF’s standards are widely adopted by service providers, network equipment manufacturers and software vendors, ensuring consistent service experiences across providers and networks worldwide. MEF’s current initiatives emphasize creating standards that support end-to-end service automation, which is critical for enabling modern digital transformation initiatives like cloud connectivity, edge computing and multi-cloud networking.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Stan Hubbard, the principal industry analyst at MEF, during the recent GNE event, held in Dallas, TX. He shared details about MEF’s newly updated 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint, news of which was released during the conference.
Hubbard said this blueprint is MEF’s vision for the future of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), laying out a roadmap that brings together the industry’s latest advancements to build a more flexible, secure and interconnected digital infrastructure. Hubbard collaborated with MEF’s CTO, Pascal Menezes, to shape the blueprint, which “gives a unifying vision for the industry,” according to Hubbard.
Hubbard explained the NaaS transformation since its early days, noting that back in 2013-2014, NaaS was primarily a solution for on-demand connectivity within a single network, providing basic bandwidth-as-a-service.
“The NaaS that we’re talking about today is very different because there’s been a lot of technology change and transformation,” Hubbard stated.
Today’s NaaS includes a bundle of interconnected services—application assurance, SD-WAN, cybersecurity (such as SASE technology) and multi-cloud networking—delivered across a globally automated ecosystem.
This evolution from isolated services to an automated ecosystem requires standardized APIs, which are a central feature of MEF’s blueprint. Hubbard explained that MEF has developed a family of Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) APIs that automate business and operational functions between service providers.
“We standardized a full family of LSO APIs that automate business functions and operational functions between partners in this automated ecosystem,” he said.
By creating a common language across providers, these APIs enable NaaS to operate like a “plug-and-play” system, where services from different providers connect seamlessly to form a cohesive service bundle, Stan explained.
The blueprint also focuses on creating a global network of cooperating service providers. Hubbard elaborated on how partnerships have become essential, as no single provider can meet all global connectivity needs. Through MEF’s standards, providers can connect with retail and wholesale partners worldwide to fulfill customer demands across various regions, creating a collaborative network.
“No service provider can deliver these services throughout the world on their own…they work with other partners. So what you end up doing is you have a retail service provider who turns to all their wholesale partners to deliver that service the enterprise wants,” Hubbard explained.
The blueprint isn’t just conceptual—over 160 service providers worldwide are engaged in the LSO adoption lifecycle, from early interest to implementation. About half of these companies have progressed to a commitment phase or beyond, actively integrating LSO APIs.
Notable implementers include AT&T, Deutsche Telekom and Verizon, showcasing the blueprint’s reach and influence on the global telecom landscape.
Hubbard emphasized that NaaS addresses the highest priorities of enterprise digital transformation, with cybersecurity at the forefront. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions are widely adopted, combining SD-WAN with secure service edge technology, zero trust, and other security frameworks.
“Network as a service is uniquely capable to address the highest priorities for enterprise digital transformation,” Hubbard stated.
He noted that companies are transitioning from standalone SD-WAN and security to integrated SASE solutions under the NaaS umbrella.
Cloud migration and AI are additional focus areas, with NaaS enabling seamless multi-cloud connections and supporting resource-intensive AI workloads. The blueprint illustrates how NaaS can facilitate digital transformation by enabling secure hybrid work environments, cloud connectivity, and advanced AI capabilities.
“The on-demand capability, the flexibility to support workloads across multi-cloud environments,” Hubbard added, are key features that make NaaS highly adaptable to evolving enterprise needs.
Basically, MEF’s 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint offers a roadmap for a more interconnected, secure and versatile NaaS ecosystem, addressing digital transformation priorities through standardized APIs, global partnerships and robust service offerings.
With its forward-looking approach, the blueprint positions NaaS as a crucial element in the future of global connectivity and enterprise infrastructure. The new blueprint is available via MEF’s website.
