PLUMgrid Inc. is rolling out a new version of its namesake software-defined networking overlay that promises to take more of the manual work out of managing traffic in large-scale implementations of OpenStack. The area where the update should make that labor reduction most noticeable is monitoring.

The latest version of the PLUMgrid Open Networking Suite (ONS) has been augmented with no fewer than seven distinct tracking functions that collectively encompass almost every part of an environment. Administrators can use the functionality to keep an eye on the connectivity of virtual machines and the overall performance of their infrastructure.

The toolkit also provides visibility into the networking services running under the hood, including the newest in the bunch introduced with today’s update, a virtual routing component that handles the distribution of packets. The technology tracks the flow of traffic to identify optimal data paths and optimizes provisioning accordingly.

If that alone doesn’t cut it, organizations can extend PLUMgrid’s platform through a plug-in system that allows for the addition of third party services without making any significant architectural changes. That mechanism has also been enhanced as part of the update to accommodate a broader variety of extensions, which administrators can now integrate new features in the form of virtual machines, containers or physical appliances.

That’s invaluable for large network operators such as carriers that have unique requirements not fully addressed in the base package. The support for physical systems in particular is a major boon for the telecommunications sector, where that kind of dedicated hardware still powers many critical functions like firewalls and load balances despite the steady shift towards software-defined operating models.

That is not to say PLUMgrid is relegating all the hard work to its partners and customers, however. The updated version of its platform packs a host of advanced features besides the new routing and monitoring components, including an enhanced implementation of the existing high-availability feature for switches from Arista Networks Inc. that promises to support large environments more effectively.

The new release marks a major milestone for the Sunnyvale-based startup, but there is still a long road ahead. It’s competing over networking spending with not only fellow startups but also established vendors that boast bigger development budgets and an existing presence in many corporate networks, which adds up to a formidable challenge  going forward.

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