New managed SD-WAN services targeted at enterprises moving to the hybrid cloud, leveraging Verizon 4G and 5G networks
Verizon Business announced this week the addition of Cisco managed SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Networking) services. Verizon Business is adding the new solutions to enhance its Network-a-Service (NaaS) digitization strategy, the company said in a statement.
“Automation, artificial intelligence, 5G and Real Time Enterprise (RTE) present new requirements and complexities, which test the limits of legacy information technology (IT) infrastructures. With these new solutions, enterprises can leverage Verizon’s 4G and 5G networks, as well as the network as a service strategy, giving them the ability to scale, adopt the latest technology and remain agile to meet ever-changing customer demands,” said Verizon.
The new offerings include:
- Managed Cisco SD-WAN for the Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms Family.
- Integrated Services Router (ISR) 1000 and 4000 series, including management of the Cisco cellular Pluggable Interface Modules (PIM) and Cisco Catalyst Cellular Gateways.
- Cisco Umbrella provides security framework for the SD-WAN.
- Duo manages zero trust application access.
- Thousand Eyes is used for network observability.
Verizon also touted private integration of Cisco Webex Calling and Webex Contact Center using Verizon Private IP and Verizon Wireless Private Network Traffic Management.
The new solution delivers cloud security and 5G capabilities to businesses with reduced complexity, said Todd Nightingale, EVP and GM, Enterprise Networking and Cloud, Cisco.
“In a hybrid work world, application performance and security are critical. We are committed to making it simpler for IT teams to deliver the best customer experiences,” said Nightingale.
Continued SD-WAN collaboration
Verizon Business and Cisco added three new SD-WAN managed service offerings earlier this year. The expansion included two offerings supported by Viptela, the SD-WAN provider that Cisco acquired in 2017. Those include the co-managed Cisco SD-WAN that allows for the control and self-management of SD-WAN security and application policies; and the managed SD-WAN for the Cisco ISR1100 Series platform that is designed for smaller branch office deployments.
The expansion also introduced new managed service tiers for Cisco SD-WAN powered by Meraki. Verizon’s Cisco Meraki cloud-first platform managed services deliver seamless, secure connectivity and global deployment support. Verizon also added faster and more easily managed smart camera deployment.
