Application performance, user experience and business success rely on wide area networks. That’s why organizations are turning to SD-WAN to meet their remote working needs.
Can your network keep up with the pace of business?
To support the rapid pace of digital business transformation, organizations now need to support secure, uninterrupted access to critical network and cloud-based resources for their hybrid and remote employees. Older networks don’t offer the flexibility, resiliency or capacity for businesses to support cloud applications that need to be accessible anytime, anywhere.
That’s why enterprise IT teams are turning to Software-Defined Wide-Area Networking (SD-WAN) integrated with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). This cloud-native architecture enables businesses to adapt to constantly shifting users, applications and work environments, while keeping all application and security policies synchronized with these changing endpoints
SD-WAN vs. MPLS
When it was introduced, MPLS was an ideal option for organizations that ran multiple business-critical applications at multiple locations. Operated and managed by a single carrier, MPLS converges voice and data traffic over connections that are isolated from the public Internet, while offering basic control over applications.
Today, the explosion in bandwidth demand has pushed traditional MPLS networks to their limits. As a software-defined technology, SD-WAN offers the flexibility to leverage MPLS connections, as well as other access types. Additionally, SD-WAN doesn’t rely on the traditional hub and spoke WAN model MPLS is based on, which means traffic doesn’t require backhauling to a data center for processing and redistribution.
How SD-WAN works
In an SD-WAN configuration, networking hardware is decoupled from the physical control layer, enabling enterprises to use low-cost, readily available broadband Internet. SD-WAN simplifies WAN operation and management by combining functions at the edge, ensuring performance and availability for cloud-based workloads. SD-WAN can replace costly plain old telephone service (POTS) lines and MPLS architecture with an agile, dynamic platform that maximizes bandwidth to reduce operating costs.
Key features:
Application optimization
Monitors and selects the best performing network paths for better app performance.
Dynamic WAN selection
Preserves application performance based on pre-set thresholds.
Dynamic IPSec deployment
Enables end-to-end encryption for secure data transmission over public networks.
"Windstream Enterprise has been a great partner and highly responsive to our needs. The transition from MPLS to SD-WAN went much smoother than expected.”
Scott Hammond, VP of IT, Navigant Credit Union
The Windstream Enterprise difference
As an analyst-recognized leader in product innovation, Windstream Enterprise offers award-winning managed SD-WAN Concierge™ that stands apart in the industry.
Application visibility and control
Enables co-management of business and security policies through WE Connect, a "single pane of glass" management portal.
100% uptime
Increases resiliency with redundant, diverse connections at each site for seamless failover for business continuity at all business locations.
Cost-effective
Brings networking to branch offices and remote sites via software intelligence regardless of the underlying connection type or carrier.
Highly secure, SASE ready
Offers Unified Threat Management features, along with IPSec encryption, PCI DSS compliance and security policies that lay the groundwork for a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).
Cloud connectivity
Provides highly secure, private, dedicated access to leading third-party cloud service providers’ cloud ecosystems.
Flexible connectivity
Leverages the best-available access connections provided by Windstream Enterprise or existing third-party connections—or bring your own access.
Multiple access links
Enhances resiliency with redundant and diverse connections in an active/ active configuration at each site.
Managed concierge service
Delivers continuous, proactive monitoring and optimization from a dedicated Windstream Enterprise technical service manager.
The choice is yours
Windstream Enterprise has partnered with three leading SD-WAN technology providers to offer a solution that’s right for your business.
VMware. Named a leader in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for WAN Edge Infrastructure.2
Fortinet. Named a leader in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for WAN Edge Infrastructure.2
Cato Networks. World’s first fully integrated Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution, converging cloud-native network and security.
Manage and configure your SD-WAN solution with
Only SD-WAN from Windstream Enterprise comes with WE Connect, a customizable portal that adapts to the way you manage your network. Gain immediate access to all the information about your services, along with the essential functions that help you manage and optimize your network.
Centralized management. Perform routine operational functions, like adding users or locations, in moments versus days.
Insight Engine. See aggregated data across all locations to help identify anomalies requiring corrective action.
Real-time visibility. Get an interactive view of network latency, packet loss and jitter by location, plus tools to customize reports for actionable insights.
Anytime, anywhere, any device. Access WE Connect via a mobile device with all the functions of the desktop app.
Industry recognition
2021 TMCnet INTERNET TELEPHONY
Product of the Year: SD-WAN
2020/2019 TMCnet INTERNET TELEPHONY Award for SD-WAN
Provider of the Year
2020 MEF SD-WAN Award, North America
Product of the Year
"While we considered other SD-WAN service providers, we liked the features of Windstream Enterprise's SD-WAN much better."
James Wang, Systems Administrator, Norman
Our promises to you
Windstream Enterprise solutions are backed by our WE will Commitment, our promise that we will deliver a network and voice solution that meets your business needs, for an unmatched, fully supported experience.
*Required services include OfficeSuite UC® and SD-WAN Concierge™ for all Windstream Enterprise guarantees
"The WE Connect portal and Insight Engine is a powerful, easy-to-use tool that keeps us informed on network performance and helps us troubleshoot issues."
Troy Patterson, Telecommunications Manager, ARH
Windstream Enterprise SD-WAN for cloud migration
SD-WAN Concierge provides full visibility and co-management control to run your entire network in real time, from anywhere and on any device. It also enables your customers to interact with technology on their terms, enabling a richer customer experience. By working with Windstream Enterprise—a provider who takes the time to understand your company’s business model—your organization can move to the cloud in a timely, cost-effective and sustainable way.
Cloud-enabled connectivity, communications and security—guaranteed.
Windstream Enterprise drives business transformation through the convergence of our proprietary software solutions and cloud-optimized network to unlock our clients’ revenue and profitability potential. Our managed services streamline operations, enhance productivity and elevate the experience of our clients and their end users while securing their critical data and brand reputation. Analysts certify Windstream Enterprise as a market leader for our product innovation, and clients rely on our unrivaled service guarantees and best-in-class management portal. Businesses trust Windstream Enterprise as their single source for a high-performance network and award-winning suite of connectivity, collaboration and security solutions—delivered by a team of technology experts whose success is directly tied to our clients’ complete satisfaction.
1. Galov, Nick. Cloud Adoption Statistics for 2021. Hosting Tribunal. Aug. 9, 2021. Accessed Oct. 18, 2021
2. Gartner, Inc. Magic Quadrant for WAN Edge Infrastructure. Jonathan Forest, Naresh Singh, Andrew Lerner, Evan Zeng. Sept. 20, 2021.
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