The ONUG Collaborative has launched the WAN Connectivity API Working Group to redefine how enterprises procure WAN services. Chaired by Eric Powers of Citigroup and Chris Cheu of Evernorth, this user-driven initiative is focused on designing a vendor-neutral, open API framework that enables enterprises to dynamically discover, compare, and provision WAN connectivity in real time—just like cloud infrastructure.

Project Goals

The goal is simple yet transformational: automate and standardize WAN procurement with an API-first model. The API will support:

• Service Discovery – Real-time visibility into available bandwidth, route options, geographic coverage, and temporal service availability.
• Service Specification and Request – Ability to request services based on bandwidth tiers, SLA attributes, latency/jitter needs, and application tags.
• Quotation & Marketplace Interaction – Compare costs and providers in a Google Flights-style interface, with integration into internal procurement workflows.
• Ordering & Provisioning – Automate service requests and provisioning across multiple providers and platforms.
• Performance Feedback & Compliance – Telemetry, SLA monitoring, billing transparency, and enterprise governance baked in.

The initial focus of the Working Group is on defining short-term requirements and use cases from an enterprise perspective, particularly around service discovery and request specification. Later phases will tackle marketplace integration, provisioning automation, and performance analytics.

Current Status

The working group has kicked off with strong momentum. IT executives from Citi, Barclays, Meta, Morgan Stanley, Cigna, BofA and others are actively contributing to define requirements in a Chatham House environment—ensuring open dialogue without attribution. The group is preparing to deliver a minimum viable API demo at the ONUG AI Networking Summit this October in NYC, with a full buyer’s guide and reference architecture targeted for release in spring 2026.

Key activities underway include:

• Finalizing functional sections for the API (7 proposed modules).  For the AI Networking Summit demonstration this October, a minimal proof of concept API is planned that includes service discovery and service specification request.
• Capturing enterprise use cases and procurement pain points
• Preparing for deeper integration discussions with telcos, cloud providers, and NaaS vendors
• Laying the groundwork for an enterprise-led standard that drives adoption across the WAN ecosystem

There is Still Time to Join

If you’re an IT professional responsible for connectivity, cloud networking, or infrastructure procurement, this is your opportunity to shape the future. The API being designed isn’t just another interface; it’s a blueprint for how enterprise networking will operate in the age of AI, hybrid cloud, and dynamic workloads.

Enterprises will gain faster time-to-service, increased flexibility, and real visibility into global options. Carriers and NaaS vendors will benefit from discoverability, automation, and access to a new procurement paradigm that reflects the needs of modern buyers.

Call to Action

We’re actively recruiting enterprise IT professionals to participate in this unique, user-only phase of the project. Your input will directly influence the capabilities and direction of the API. Whether you’re navigating SD-WAN, exploring NaaS, or just want to eliminate procurement pain—your voice matters.

Join us and be part of the team defining the future of WAN procurement. Sign up to participate here: https://onug.net/collaborative/#membership

Let’s build the modern WAN marketplace we’ve all been waiting for.

Nick