While organizations could undertake a transition to IPv6 internally and without Verizon's assistance, Rahman argued that the IT staff at most organizations do not have much experience working with IPv6, whereas Verizon says it has quite a bit of expertise.
The service will offer a wide range of possible implementations. Some organizations may only want to build out an IPv6 backbone while keeping the end devices running on IPv4, or vice-versa. Other organizations may only want selected parts of their networks to be IPv6-capable.
"We are pretty much open to different options," Rahman said. "We will work with the customer to find the best options."
A vocal proponent of IPv6, Verizon expects upgrading its own backbone network to the new protocol will take 18 months. It will run a dual stack of both IPv6 and IPv4 over its MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) network core.
Joab Jackson covers enterprise software and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Joab on Twitter at @Joab_Jackson. Joab's e-mail address is Joab_Jackson@idg.com
