Windstream Enlists Cato Networks for SASE Offering

Windstream Enterprise has bolstered its secure access service edge (SASE) portfolio with the addition of Cato Networks.

Windstream executives say the partnership makes the carrier the “first and only” service provider in North America to offer fully converged cloud-based network and security.

Windstream’s Tony Thomas

“Security remains the highest priority for enterprises as they move toward cloud-based infrastructures and hybrid work environments, making the availability of Windstream Enterprise’s SASE solution perfectly timed,” Windstream president and CEO Tony Thomas said. “As a result of this launch, our clients now have an all-encompassing SASE solution with industry-leading technology from Cato Networks and unrivaled service and support from Windstream Enterprise.”

Cato’s cloud-native SASE platform uses a global private backbone with more than 70 global points of presence. Cato brings together networking features like SD-WAN with security features like secure web gateways and zero-trust network access. In addition, the vendor last month unveiled a cloud access security broker (CASB).

The offering comes with management from Windstream, which includes the carrier’s security operations center and technical management team.

According to a Windstream spokesperson, partners can sell the SASE offering alone or alongside unified communications, collaboration and access. Moreover, partners can manage the solution through Windstream’s WE Connect portal.

“Partners can leverage the trust and experience that Windstream Enterprise brings as an established SD-WAN provider combined with the fully deployed SASE model of Cato for a complete end-to-end solution unparalleled expertise,” the spokesperson told Channel Futures.

Last year Windstream teamed up with VMware to launch a SASE offering.

Cato

Cato recently expanded its platform to service providers. Last year it teamed with Japanese telco KDDI to deliver services in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Cato’s Shlomo Kramer

“Cato provides the world’s first fully converged SASE solution, and this market leadership has given us more SASE expertise than any other technology platform,” Cato CEO and co-founder Shlomo Kramer said. “The combination of Windstream Enterprise’s market-leading service portfolio and delivery capabilities with Cato’s proven and mature SASE platform will accelerate our joint customers’ digital transformation journey.”

Cato last month reported a 96% year-over-year revenue growth. In addition, the company grew its staff by 66% and exceeded 1,100 enterprise customers. Cato last year announced a $200 million funding round that brought its total investments up to $532 million.