Sprint to launch Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) services

Sprint has announced plans to launch SD-WAN services that will enable enterprises to more efficiently manage corporate networks, optimize performance, and design business policies that improve the customer experience.

Sprint is currently teaming with VeloCloud, a leader in Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions, to support customer trials for the SD-WAN service during 4Q16, with a global launch planned for early 2017.

“After a thorough vendor evaluation process, Sprint determined that the VeloCloud solution best aligned with Sprint’s focus on network agility, flexibility and cloud services enablement, said Mike Fitz, Vice President of the Sprint Global Wireline Business Unit. “We are excited to work with VeloCloud to support additional customer proof of concepts and build upon our existing relationship.”

The migration of voice, data, and video on the same all-IP network, accelerating adoption of cloud services, and an ever-growing mobile workforce are driving enterprises to consider WAN solutions that meet their increasing need for flexibility, performance and security.

“Sprint SD-WAN will transform the way our business customers use their network,” said Fitz. “SD-WAN enables enterprises to lower their network costs while dynamically supporting converged services such as SIP Trunking, cloud services, and hosted applications.”

Earlier this year Sprint announced the formation of their new Sprint Global Wireline Business Unit. The organization is focused on providing business customers with a top-tier global all-IP global network that reduces customer’s costs while providing a strong, resilient foundation for current and future business communications solutions.

“We are proud to partner with Sprint,” said Sanjay Uppal, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer of VeloCloud. “Sprint is a leader in providing worldwide voice and data networking solutions. Sprint’s managed services expertise and commitment to exceptional care, coupled with VeloCloud’s industry leading SD-WAN platform, delivers a powerful and advanced network solution with end-to-end security. Sprint end-customers will benefit from automation, increased visibility and improved performance for real-time and cloud applications across their distributed locations.”

SD-WAN services have demonstrated success in helping enterprises manage complexity and network costs while providing increased agility and security. Sprint SD-WAN includes the technology and tools that will keep business networks running at optimal efficiency.

For connectivity, Enterprises can use new or existing Sprint MPLS or broadband internet connectivity, as well as bring their own broadband (BYOBB) from other providers. Sprint will manage the customer’s SD-WAN solution across transport vendors, providing an integrated end-to-end experience.

Security has been integrated into the Sprint SD-WAN solution, providing powerful, real-time protection against malware, viruses, and cyber threats for all sites and endpoints, including the mobile workforce.

Flexible management tiers enable customers to select the level of support they need, including a Sprint fully managed solution.

Sprint SD-WAN services complement Sprint’s comprehensive suite of services that include Global MPLS, Dedicated Internet Access, Managed VoIP, Global SIP Trunking, UCaaS, Cloud Connectivity, Managed Network and Security Solutions, and the award-winning Workplace-as-a-Service.

“As Sprint continues to evolve its suite of cloud-based solutions, SD-WAN will enable our business customers to rapidly deploy these emerging technologies while maintaining their existing infrastructure investments,” Fitz said.