Windstream Enterprise, VMware Partner to Deliver SASE Solution

Windstream Enterprise has partnered with VMware to bring secure access service edge (SASE) to mutual customers faster.

The solution blends Windstream Enterprise’s Cloud Core network and VMware SASE points of presence (PoPs). It will deliver an optimal and more secure application experience to remote access users.

Windstream can deliver an SD-WAN with optimum performance on its own cloud-based services. Those include UCaaS, OfficeSuite UC and managed security, in addition to native MPLS integrations.

Windstream Cloud Core architecture maximizes the reliability and performance of its cloud services. In addition, it streamlines the extension of services to include VMware SASE cloud services. Those include VMware Cloud Web Security (CWS) and VMware Secure Access, its zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution.

The solution supports today’s need for a distributed remote workforce. Work-from-anywhere surged to 62% over the course of last year. Organizations require access to critical network and cloud-based resources. That’s to support the swift pace of digital business transformation and the rise in hybrid work.

Partners to Help Implement Next Generation of Networking

Mike Frane is vice president of product management at Windstream Enterprise.

Windstream’s Mike Frane

“As we release new services based on our innovation lab collaboration, they’ll be fully available to the partner community and will be focused around Windstream and VMware applying the highest levels of security in SD-WAN with centralized, consistent security policies for remote workers, devices, applications and data,” he said. “This will give channel partners the tools they need to help customers implement the next generation of networking. As we incubate the next generation of services in our lab, channel partners can avail themselves of our current suite of security offerings which already align to the SASE framework including premises and cloud firewalls, secure remote access services, SIEM, DDoS mitigation and PCI compliance services.”

With both VMWare and Fortinet partnerships, Windstream is already one of the top providers of SD-WAN and has one of the largest installed bases, Frane said.

“By continuing to enhance security within the SD-WAN, Windstream maintains its market leadership and demonstrates how it is ahead of the curve in delivering the technology,” he said. “We are always innovating with our partners in the SD-WAN space, and in the SASE space. Our innovation lab with VMware is paving the way to deliver a common platform to deliver a unified and integrated Windstream SASE experience. We can expect to see Windstream Enterprise continue to establish the highest benchmark for both technologies in 2021, and into 2022.”

ALE Beefs Up Portfoliio with Versa Networks

In other SASE/SD-WAN news, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) has selected technology from Versa Networks to enhance its software-defined network (SDN) solutions.

By integrating Versa Titan and Versa SASE into its portfolio, ALE can expand its networking solutions for midsize organizations. ALE selected Versa Titan to expand its capabilities from LAN and WLAN to SD-WAN. That unifies network configuration, user and IoT management, security rules and operations across multiple branches.

Stephan Robineau is executive vice president of ALE‘s network business division.

“By leveraging this transformative technology, we enrich our new network-as-a-service offer with complementary solutions to meet the business demands of today, but also future-proof enterprise IT operations,” he said.

The product from this global partnership will become accessible first in Europe. It will then be made available worldwide in the next couple of months.

Hector Avalos is Versa‘s vice president of EMEA.

“ALE continues to be a leader in delivering digital age networking solutions in the cloud, on-premises or as a hybrid model,” he said. “As the leader in SASE, Versa is excited to collaborate with ALE to maximize security, connectivity and performance for small and medium businesses via the leading Versa Titan solution.”