What distinguishes OpenConfig YANG models from vendor-specific models?

OpenConfig YANG models are designed to establish a standardized set of models that can be utilized across various devices and vendors, providing a lower common denominator for different platforms. This standardization facilitates interoperability and ensures that developers and operators can work on a unified model rather than being tied to the specific idiosyncrasies of a particular vendor’s implementation. By using these open models, organizations can achieve greater flexibility and consistency in their network automation and management practices, allowing for easier integration and deployment across diverse environments.

While some aspects of user-friendliness and resource requirements may apply to certain implementations, the primary distinction revolves around the interoperability that OpenConfig models offer compared to vendor-specific models. Vendor-specific models tend to vary greatly and may not be compatible with other systems, which can lead to increased complexity and reduced flexibility in network management.