Windstream Enterprise adds SD-WAN Cloud Connect to SD-WAN offerings

July 23, 2018

Windstream Enterprise has unveiled SD-WAN Cloud Connect. Designed to enable enterprises to connect their network locations to their cloud-based applications, the new service leverages technology from VeloCloud, now part of VMware, and combines the service provider’s SD-WAN Concierge and Cloud Connect offerings.

Lightwave Staff

“The introduction of SD-WAN Cloud Connect represents a significant milestone in our SD-WAN journey,” says Mike Frane, vice president of product management, Windstream. “We launched the current product just over a year ago and with the addition of SD-WAN Cloud Connect, we are bringing a solution to both existing and new customers that will make it easier for them to participate in today’s cloud-based digital transformation.”

Windstream Enteprise will offer both public broadband and private circuit access to SD-WAN Cloud Connect to enable enterprises to connect to public or proprietary apps running at what the service provider termed “the leading cloud service providers.” SD-WAN Cloud Connect acts as a “virtual edge” device at the CSP, communicating securely and directly to the enterprise’s premises-based SD-WAN edge sites. Cloud applications thus move closer to end-users, which Windstream Enterprise says improves performance.

Customers can self-install the SD-WAN Cloud Connect “virtual edge” device on a server at their CSP or have the Windstream Enterprise Professional Services team enable their edge device. Once the install is complete, Windstream Enterprise activates the “virtual edge” device and it becomes part of the customer’s network. Windstream Enterprise will manage that location as part of a fully managed offering.

Windstream Enterprise plans to make SD-WAN Cloud Connect available first to customers using Amazon Web Services this month. Microsoft Azure customers will have access to the service in August.

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