BT launches new Cisco-based Managed SD-WAN

This is part of BT’s drive to develop a portfolio of converged business networking products.

The Managed SD-WAN enables secure, high-bandwidth connections across multiple sites using fixed and mobile networks, according to the operator.

There are two options: the Cisco SD-WAN powered by Viptela, the software company Cisco acquired in 2017, or powered by Meraki, which the Cisco acquired in 2012.
 
The plan with both is to simplify network infrastructures and provide customers with visibility across their networks, so they can optimise traffic, and balance performance and agility.

Converged solution

Steve Best, MD, Customer Solutions, BT, commented, “From today, our business customers can benefit from a fully converged software defined solution that brings together…fixed line connectivity, mobile data, dedicated security expertise, access to best-of-breed SD-WAN vendors and our enhanced proactive Managed Services with a single point of contact.”
 
Today’s launch builds on the global announcements made with Cisco in 2018 and expands on BT’s portfolio of Cisco-based software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualisation (NFV) solutions in the UK.
 
Best added, “Our customers are looking for the next generation of intelligent connectivity, but they often don’t have the resources to implement this on their own. Our fully managed service capability with an SD-WAN solution removes these barriers and brings secure connectivity and control across all customer devices and applications, so they can react faster and work smarter.”