Submitted by Kelsey Kusterer Ziser, the Editor of Upskill U at Light Reading

Open source software plays a key role in developing an efficient and agile virtualized network architecture at a reduced cost. Interest from operators in building their own open source services is on the rise, but this shift means service providers must re-think traditional standards processes and software development cycles.

Beginning August 10, Light Reading and Cisco are launching an Open Source series at Upskill U, a free online university delivering must-have education on themes relating to the overall business transformation taking place in the communications industry. In this four-part learning module, speakers from OpenDaylight, Telstra, Heavy Reading and LinkedIn will address the challenges and opportunities service providers face as they seek to successfully implement open source software as the network moves more toward virtualization. This series starts with the fundamentals of open source, and subsequent courses will cover how open source supports NFV, shapes data center operations and cloud services and influences the white box transformation.

Secure your seat at Upskill U for these exciting lectures in the Open Source series:

• Telcos & Open Source 101 (Wednesday, Aug. 10, 1:00 p.m. ET): Phil Robb, Senior Technical Director, OpenDaylight, examines how service providers can make the shift from the traditional standards processes, how the open source process is tackling a new role of competing at the higher levels of the software stack and provides understanding in open source licensing and managing R&D processes.
• The Role of Open Source in NFV (Friday, Aug. 12, 1:00 p.m. ET): Jim Fagan, Director, Cloud Practice, Telstra, addresses the impact open source is having on NFV platforms and what it means for vendors and operators.
• Using Open Source for Data Centers and Cloud Services (Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1:00 p.m. ET): Roz Roseboro, Senior Analyst, Heavy Reading, examines the use of open source for cloud services in the telecom space, what issues still need to be resolved and whether standards bodies are perhaps the better way forward for CSPs.
• Open Source for White Box Networks (Thursday, Aug. 18, 1:00 p.m. ET): Saikrishna Kotha, Global Infrastructure Architect, LinkedIn, explains the importance of open source software to the white box transformation and how virtualization and evolving standards will impact that transformation overall.

During each 45-minute course at Upskill U, listeners have the opportunity to discuss course material with industry peers and ask expert presenters key questions. All courses are archived, so listeners can revisit lessons anytime. Don't get left in the dark during this sea change -register today for the upcoming Open Source series at http://www.lightreading.com/upskillu. I'll see you on the chat boards!