AT&T, Leidos to implement SDN for DISA network

AT&T and Leidos, a science and technology company, is equipping SDN for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) as part of the agency's effort to become a software-defined enterprise.

Simply put, a software-defined enterprise supports a high degree of automation and synchronization across networking, hosting and related IT systems.  

DISA is leveraging SDN to automate virtual private networking services in support of its defense-related agencies. Leidos was awarded a Task Order from DISA to help it take the first key steps toward transforming the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) to a software-defined network.

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AT&T, which is working as a contract member for Leidos, will engineer and deliver software-defined networking controller technology into the DoDIN backbone. For DISA-related agencies, a software-defined enterprise can help war fighters achieve their missions more effectively.

"The technology has significant promise and this is a good initial step to transforming the DoDIN to be more flexible, secure, dynamic, and resilient for the war fighter,” said Daniel Voce, SVP of enterprise cyber and solutions, in a release.

Being part of an effort to enable DISA to migrate toward a software-defined enterprise is certainly a validation point for AT&T’s own SDN vision and how it could apply it to its public sector base. Earlier this year, AT&T set a goal to equip 55% of its network with software by the end of 2017, bringing it one step closer to reaching its 75% goal by 2020.

AT&T currently provides its traditional network services and integration capabilities to multiple federal agencies. This work with DISA could serve as a proof point the telco can take to other defense and civilian agencies that are either considering or have begun a transition to a software-defined enterprise architecture.