• Nuage Networks SD-WAN solution from Nokia enables Vertel to provide innovative cloud-based network services for organizations with business, mission and life critical ICT requirements across Australia

• Vertel's customers will enjoy an improved wide area networking experience with improved agility, flexibility and visibility of their business applications and ICT services

4 May 2018

Sydney, Australia - Vertel and Nuage Networks, Nokia's software defined network (SDN) venture, will work together to launch software defined WAN (SD-WAN) services for Vertel's government, enterprise and service provider customers in July this year. Once deployed, Vertel will be one of the first providers in Australia to offer seamless, cloud-connected WAN services, with its customers enjoying all the benefits of moving to the Cloud.

By offering cloud-native WAN services, the Nuage Networks SD-WAN solution will enable Vertel to better penetrate the market for critical network services in Australia. SD-WAN will also underpin the delivery of a range of enhanced ICT services such as managed security, Unified Communications, IP-PBX, video conferencing, carrier grade WLAN, private LTE, Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) and multi-access edge computing (MEC) services.

Andrew Findlay, Executive Director, Vertel, said:

"We undertook a comprehensive analysis of the SD-WAN offerings in the market and as a provider of critical network services, the Nuage solution was the obvious choice for us. While the 'over the top' SD-WAN alternatives are a good fit for cost focused SMB customers, our customer base is more driven by the value that high performing ICT services create for their business. We benefit from the innovation and flexibility of Nuage while leveraging the experience and broader offerings of Nokia for the integration of their more traditional fixed and mobile offerings. We are also excited about the ability to dramatically simplify our customers' access to and usage of a broad range of private and public cloud services."

Sunil Khandekar, Chief Executive Officer, Nuage Networks, said:

"We are excited to support Vertel as it seizes the benefits of SD-WAN to expand its presence in Australia. This is an important milestone since it is the first service provider SD-WAN project for us in Australia. Vertel will be able to leverage our extensive experience with tier one service providers around the world as they enter this new phase of offering software defined services.

Overview of the solution to be deployed:

• Nokia Nuage Networks Virtualized Network Services (VNS) will enable Vertel to add automation, reduce operational expenditure and deliver secure and scalable WAN services across Australia

• Nokia Professional Services team will ensure the efficient and timely completion of the project

• Nuage Networks solution provides a single SDN automation platform for the private cloud, WAN, and public cloud, ensuring flexibility, agility and operational simplification

About Vertel

Vertel is an Australian national telecommunications carrier specialising in the design, build and operation of next generation wireless networks for Enterprise, Government, and Service Providers. We specialise in serving organisations with critical network requirements that have operations in fringe metro, regional and remote Australia. Vertel is a member of the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) and was the first independent wireless carrier in the world to gain MEF certification for its Layer 2 Ethernet Service.