Telecom operator CenturyLink claims its SD-WAN platform can help enterprises manage connectivity needs, offers free trial to spur adoption
CenturyLink launched its software-defined wide area network platform and is tempting enterprise customers to adopt the service through a proof-of-concept program.
The SD-WAN platform includes site connectivity, equipment, software licensing, configuration, tuning, monitoring, and a management and analytics portal to support software-based centralized control for private networks over any available connectivity method. CenturyLink noted the service can be self-managed or the operator itself can manage the platform using its own connectivity options or from a range of providers as part of an aggregated solution.
“Cloud-based applications, media streaming, video surveillance, enhanced analytics and in-store experience continue to push the network needs of the enterprise,” explained CenturyLink CTO Aamir Hussain, in touting the platform’s capabilities. “Without significant increases to their traditional private network budgets, enterprises are challenged to meet these ever-growing demands, improve the end-user experience and ensure security and application performance.”
IDC earlier this year forecast the SD-WAN space to reach $6 billion in technology and service sales by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate of more than 90% over the next five years.
In a move to entice enterprise adoption, CenturyLink said its free 90-day PoC offer includes the delivery of customer-premise devices, access to a management portal and customer support for up to five sites. The telecom operator said the platform is currently being piloted by more than 10 enterprises, with commercial availability scheduled for the third quarter.
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