Verizon becomes first service provider to offer Cisco Software-Defined Networking technology

“With Verizon’s new service, we are taking our IWAN solution to the next level,” said Jeff Reed, vice president of the Cisco Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions Group. “Cisco IWAN’s open architecture enables Verizon to offer a flexible, highly secure and reliable service to its enterprise customers. With IWAN as the foundation and Verizon’s expertise in network management, the solution will enable enterprises to improve the application experience for their employees and customers.”

Through Cisco’s software-defined WAN solution, Verizon is enabling a:
· Better User Experience: Integrated application optimization for improved and faster application performance
· Highly Secure Infrastructure and Applications: Robust, highly secure and certified routing platforms (ISRs and ASRs)
· Low Operational Cost: Intelligent Path Control to fully utilize both MPLS and the Internet
· IT Agility: Provision new sites and services faster with a hybrid WAN to support key business initiatives

“Verizon and Cisco have joined forces to enable a whole new generation of networking solutions that help companies operate more efficiently and with greater agility,” said Shawn Hakl, vice president of enterprise networking and innovation, Verizon. “Our focus is to help enterprises improve the performance and security of their networks by using the most effective means of connecting mobile users to cloud applications. More than ever, today’s networks require rigorous oversight and expert management to meet the constant demands of the digital age.”

Verizon and Cisco will both market and sell the managed solution to their respective enterprise customer bases in the U.S. beginning in September. The companies plan to roll out the solution in EMEA by the end of the year. The new solution will be supported by Verizon’s IT consulting group which help enterprises manage their transition to SD-based networking.