CenturyLink Intros SD-WAN Service

CenturyLink rolled out a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) service that provides business customers with centralized control over a variety of private network access technologies.

The fully-managed service bundles site connectivity, equipment, software licensing, configuration, performance tuning and monitoring with a management and analytics portal. CenturyLink said the customer has the option of managing their own policies or letting CenturyLink manage their policies. CenturyLink also can manage connectivity from a wide range of providers as part of an aggregated solution. Customers can build standalone SD-WAN networks or pursue hybrid approaches that seamlessly integrate MPLS and SD-WAN connected sites. Some key features:

• Unified management – One network manager that ties disparate networks and access types into a more agile, responsive wide area network that is easy to administer.
• Access to bandwidth – Leverage broadband connectivity for bandwidth-intensive applications.
• Speed and agility – Turn up new locations quickly and easily.
• Simplicity – Add on-demand features that previously required hardware procurement.
• Security – Access, implement and enforce a broad array of security controls.
• Economic pricing – Reduce capital expenses and operating expenses for equipment, maintenance and staffing.
• Visibility – Monitor network and application performance at any point in the network, with access to broad and granular analytics and reporting.
• Reliability – Experience uniform service levels across all locations, thanks to flexible carrier choices and the ability to scale using network functions virtualization (NFV).
• Integration – Extend and complement existing network services, such as MPLS and Ethernet, through integration into the SD-WAN platform.
• Proactive customer support – Access personal support, ongoing performance tuning and recommendations from CenturyLink.

CenturyLink is launching a free-of-charge, 90-day proof-of-concept offer for businesses interested in testing SD-WAN within their wide area network.

"Cloud-based applications, media streaming, video surveillance, enhanced analytics and in-store experience continue to push the network needs of the enterprise. 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," said CenturyLink Chief Technology Officer Aamir Hussain. "CenturyLink SD-WAN offers a game-changing approach, enabling an instantly better network experience and addressing many of the common pain points faced by organizations that need high-speed, cost-effective network services for numerous locations."

http://news.centurylink.com/news/centurylink-unveils-fully-managed-sd-wan-service