Windstream Launches SD-WAN

Windstream has announced the availability of its software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) solution that will transform how businesses design and manage their networks.

Powered by VeloCloud, Windstream’s SD-WAN solution gives customers increased network agility, seamless scalability and optimized performance, all while also reducing costs.

“SD-WAN is another example of Windstream partnering with enterprise customers to deliver reliable, secure communications solutions that fuel productivity and growth,” said Joe Harding, enterprise chief marketing officer at Windstream. “By including SD-WAN as another solution in our portfolio of managed WAN services, Windstream offers mid- to large-sized enterprise customers the same technology advantages that large enterprises enjoy, which include custom-designed networks and services, as well as a highly responsive support team.”

Traditional WAN technology has long been the cornerstone of IT for voice and data networking infrastructure, but the expectation for less downtime and latency challenges, as well as the advent of hybrid/cloud architectures and the higher cost of adding locations, are causing many companies to rethink their WAN strategy. An SD-WAN solution utilizes software-defined networking (SDN) to dynamically route traffic over a combination of private and public access types to reach multiple locations. Customers maintain control over their network from a convenient centralized location rather than requiring them to manage various routers, firewalls and switches. It also simplifies management and monitoring by presenting comprehensive information to the customer in a unified management console.

“Businesses in every industry, including ours, are looking for competitive advantages such as increased agility and cost efficiencies that come from software-defined networks,” said Glen Holroyd, director of IT, Kona Grill. “We chose Windstream’s SD-WAN solution because it integrates a hybrid network, leading technology from VeloCloud, and a full suite of voice and data solutions. Together, they are an attractive solution for Kona Grill, our fast-growing American grill and sushi bar concept with 45 locations across 25 states.”

Windstream’s SD-WAN solution is available immediately to customers in Windstream’s nationwide service area, and Windstream said that it is seeing strong interest from customers in the retail, banking, professional services, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services industries.

“More flexible models now prevail that democratize usage, allow mobility of people and devices, and empower everyone, not just networking pros, to exercise the right level of control of network resource consumption,” said Andre Kindness, principal analyst at Forrester Research.


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