Verizon launches Cisco-powered software defined WAN service

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) has taken another step forward with its software defined networking (SDN) strategy by launched a new WAN service that leverages Cisco's Intelligent WAN (IWAN) technology.

Designed to help enterprise customers meet their network traffic requirements, the service provider said that Cisco's IWAN technology combines the flexibility of the Internet with the reliability of a private IP network.

A key element of the new solution for enterprises is an improved application experience for their employees and customers.

Other benefits of the joint service will be low operational costs. The service uses a mix of MPLS and Internet technology and agile IT elements that allows enterprises to provision new sites and services quicker with a hybrid WAN to support key business initiatives.

Beginning this month, Verizon and Cisco will jointly market and sell the managed solution to their enterprise customer bases in the United States, followed by EMEA by the end of the year.

Verizon's IT consulting group, which helps enterprises managed their transition to SD-based networking, will support the new service.

This new service follows the debut of the SDN vision Verizon laid out earlier this year, one that will have utility in both its wireline and wireless networks. In the wireline network, the initial focus will be on migrating legacy elements and functions onto software-based platforms.

Joining Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Juniper Networks and Nokia (NYSE:NOK), Cisco was one of five initial vendor partners that Verizon cited to initially assist it in establishing its SDN network vision.

For more:
- see the release

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