SDN tapped to power WAN service marketed by Verizon and Cisco
Verizon Communications continues to integrate software solutions into its platform, announcing the launch of a software-defined WAN service using Cisco Systems’ Intelligent WAN technology and targeting enterprise customers.
Verizon said the platform supports a better user experience by integrated application optimization designed for faster application performance; enabling secure and certified routing platforms; the use of intelligent path control to fully utilize MPLS and the Internet to lower operational costs; and can provision new sites and services faster with a “hybrid WAN to support key business initiatives.”
“Our focus is to help enterprises improve the performance and security of their networks by using the most effective means of connecting mobile users to cloud applications,” explained Shawn Hakl, VP of enterprise networking and innovation at Verizon, in a statement. “More than ever, today’s networks require rigorous oversight and expert management to meet the constant demands of the digital age.”
RCR Wireless News earlier this year spoke with Hakl as part of our weekly “NFV/SDN Reality Check” show about the carrier’s growing network functions virtualization and software-defined networking moves.
Verizon and Cisco said they plan to market and sell the managed solution to their respective domestic enterprise customer bases beginning this month, with plans to expand availability to Europe, the Middle East and Africa by the end of the year.
Verizon earlier this year announced SDN plans with five vendors: Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Ericsson, Juniper Networks and Nokia Networks. As part of the announcement, Verizon said it has been working on the move toward virtualized platforms over the past several years, including the creation of live lab environments in San Jose, Calif.; Tampa, Fla.; and Waltham, Mass., and claims to have commercial data center environments on both coasts.
A recent report from IHS found 82% of service providers have either deployed SDN, are in the process of deploying SDN or plan to evaluate SDN deployments this year. IHS said the survey included carriers garnering 49% of the world’s telecom capital expenses and 46% of telecom revenue.
IHS found the top reason for SDN investments is carriers looking to simplify and automate service provisioning, “which they believe will lead to service agility” and a quicker return on investment. IHS added that other top “domains for deployment” include cloud services offered to customers within and between data centers and access for businesses.
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