Ericsson Accelerates Transformation with Verizon SD-WAN

Statistics say SD-WAN is set to surge, the reasons are plain to see: flexibility, scalability, cost, performance, etc. And, as players in the space jockey to get ahead, it is Verizon (News - Alert), a newcomer, making headlines. Today, Ericsson announced that a key component to its digital transformation is Verizon’s Managed SD-WAN services.

A few months back, we saw a flurry of news involving carriers creeping into SD-WAN, with Sprint, Verizon and AT&T (News - Alert) all partnering with up and coming SD-WAN start-ups. For Verizon, it was Viptela, and it is that arrangement now taking center stage in Ericsson’s (News - Alert) corporate IT transformation.

Johan Torstensson, chief information officer and head of IT, Ericsson, explains, “The use of Verizon's software defined services accelerates the automation of operations, maintains application performance and enables on-demand implementation of WAN policies. This is critical to ensure the ongoing security, integrity and agility of our business. Verizon will accelerate our adoption of the virtualized networking technologies that are transforming the communications industry. In addition, the use of E-RAN, which leverages the Ericsson Radio DOT System and Pico RBS, will enhance the performance and appeal of our corporate facilities paving the way for new applications to be delivered by indoor mobile network infrastructure.”

First, is a focus on deploying Verizon’s Managed SD-WAN service integrated with virtualized security services and Managed Enterprise Radio Access Network (E-RAN) solutions – both from Verizon’s Network-as-a-Service portfolio. This requires a joint process, utilizing Ericsson’s Dynamic Orchestration, Automated Validation and Onboarding Platform (AVOP). And Ericsson will be leveraging virtual network functions as a utility in a usage-based model.

In completing the transformation, Ericsson augments infrastructure with the Verizon Global IP network, and in doing expands global reach.

Shawn Hakl, vice president of business networking and security solutions, Verizon, says, “Ericsson and Verizon continue to work together to bring practical solutions to market that help enterprises leverage the benefits of virtualized networking. Providing end-to-end visibility and control over applications in a mobile to cloud architecture is critical for enterprises to realize the promise of the digital world.”

Digital transformation is taking place. It’s your choice to join the fray, or sit on the sidelines. Verizon invested in its future with the Viptela venture, and now Ericsson can modernize and enhance its network performance as a result.

In the midst of network transformation?

 If you’d like to learn more about the digital transformation, be sure to check out TMC (News - Alert) and Crossfire Media’s newest conference and expo, Communications 20/20, happening July 18-20 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The event will focus on the next wave of technology and innovations that will transcend the importance of person to person contact, disrupting the future of the entire communications industry. Find out more HERE.