Sprint targets enterprises with MPLS, managed cloud bundle

Sprint (NYSE: S) has begun offering its large business customers a new bundled service package that includes managed networking, MPLS transport, and CPE that it says will provide greater simplicity and better visibility into their networks.

"Businesses benefit from Sprint's customized approach to managing customer networks, simplified pricing and a single account team that understands converged, cloud and mobility solutions," said Mike Fitz, vice president of wireline, Sprint, in a release.

The new Managed Network Solutions portfolio spans multiple areas, including network design, performance management, CPE monitoring, SLAs and a single point of customer contact.

In addition, businesses will have 24x7 access to CPE performance via Compass, Sprint's online tool which offers real-time views into the health of their WAN and the ability to troubleshoot problems. Complementing Compass, businesses that use Managed Network Solutions can view their entire network through the cloud, giving them visibility beyond the Sprint edge router to customers' edge routers.

Although Sprint has become more focused on its wireless network services since spinning off its local telephone division Embarq, now CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), in 2005, it has in recent years built up a sizeable wireline business for larger enterprises served by its growing global MPLS network.

Last year, it increased its investment in its wireline business by 53 percent with a particular focus on its MPLS network and Ethernet by establishing E-NNI (external-network to network interconnection) agreements with other carrier partners. Earlier this week, Sprint established a new point of presence with Interxion, a carrier-neutral colocation data center provider in Madrid, as part of its ongoing international expansion.

Its efforts are bearing fruit as the Gartner Group upgraded Sprint's status on its Magic Quadrant for Global Network Service Providers from niche player to challenger.

For more:
- see the release

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