In this book, three leading Cisco technical experts show you how to rapidly and methodically qualify and deploy next-generation network (NGN) infrastructure and services in a cloud-centric world. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in network test, validation, and deployment, they demonstrate how to control costs and maintain network security and stability while introducing new network services faster than ever before. <b>Deploying Network Services for the Cloud</b> introduces key trends in infrastructure and services along with the business and technical drivers behind them; explores key differences in certifying on-premise and cloud-based platforms and services; and discusses each leading validation and benchmarking approach in depth. Throughout, the authors present best practices, test equipment selection criteria, and practical guidance on crafting effective and efficient test plans. This information is supported with extensive resources, including sample test plans, real-world deployment examples and configurations, end-to-end topologies, and automated scripts. Many chapters focus on qualifying specific services, with illustrative examples relying on the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Router as NGN platform. Services covered include IP routing, WAN optimization, security, deep packet inspection, and unified communication and collaboration.