Windstream Launches VeloCloud-Powered SD-WAN Cloud Connect

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Windstream Enterprise on Thursday announced a new offering for its software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) platform.

The company says SD-WAN Cloud Connect creates an important integration between two pre-existing offerings: its Concierge SD-WAN managed service and its Cloud Connect cloud access solution.

Businesses will use the new solution to join their network locations to cloud-based applications. The company says it will bring affordability, flexibility and visibility to customers that need to access to third-party cloud service providers.

Windstream’s Mike Frane

“The introduction of SD-WAN Cloud Connect represents a significant milestone in our SD-WAN journey,” said Mike Frane, Windstream’s vice president of product management. “We launched the current product just over a year ago and with the addition of SD-WAN Cloud Connect, we are bringing a solution to both existing and new customers that will make it easier for them to participate in today’s cloud-based digital transformation.”

VMWare’s VeloCloud unit, with which Windstream has been partnering for SD-WAN, powers the offering. The companies say the SD-WAN Cloud Connect is a virtual edge device located at the cloud service provider that talks to premises-based SD-WAN edge locations.

It’s initially available to AWS customers, but it will expand to Microsoft Azure in August.

“We are excited to collaborate with Windstream Enterprise to bring this innovative ‘virtual edge’ solution to its customers,” said Michael Wood, vice president of marketing, VeloCloud business unit, VMware. “Windstream has been at the forefront of the industry with their SD-WAN solution and this launch marks another accomplishment in a long line of successes we’ve shared while working together.”

Windstream continues to upgrade and tout its SD-WAN services. SD-WAN and UCaaS were bright spots in the company’s first quarterly earnings report of 2018, and CEO Tony Thomas told investors that the technology will be a key pillar moving forward.

“We are the leader in SD-WAN, and we have oriented our company and our capabilities around maintaining that leadership position,” Thomas said.