Windstream Enterprise (WE), a managed communications service provider, has announced new feature enhancements and hardware available for its VMware-powered SD-WAN.

The three new SD-WAN edge devices are the next-generation technology from VMware, named as a Leader in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for WAN Edge Infrastructure. These new edge devices offer better performance with enhanced processors that support additional functionally, simplified design and deployment with less complexity. The enhancements enable Windstream Enterprise to offer customers industry-leading SD-WAN technology.

The new SD-WAN edges support the SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) evolution by integrating SD-WAN and security. Managed Network Security (MNS) is deployed as a Virtual Network Function (VNF) on the VMware edge delivering unified threat management protection for the SD-WAN network.

“Being able to share the news of these new enhancements available for Windstream Enterprise VMware-powered SD-WAN is incredibly exciting,” said Mike Frane, vice president of product marketing at Windstream Enterprise. “These enhancements highlight the importance of unifying security and SD-WAN as an integral part of our SASE architecture and evolution.”

Customers will be able to access the MNS VNF from Windstream Enterprise’s award-winning WE Connect portal to remotely self-service, view and configure their VNF firewalls to enable the following benefits:

• View firewall details and policies to enable proper configuration to protect their networks
• Manage web filtering policy, including the ability to block specific URLs or categories based on content
• Application control policies that protect employees from inappropriate, harmful and unprotected apps
• Automated reports generated to review and audit internet use and potential risky behavior

“These new capabilities deliver a significant technological upgrade to Windstream Enterprise SD-WAN customers,” said Mike Flannery, chief marketing officer at Windstream Enterprise. “As the company continues to lean into the use of virtualization technology alongside its networking and security solutions, Windstream Enterprise remains committed to delivering customers an unrivaled experience and accelerated success.”

Resources

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for WAN Edge Infrastructure, Jonathan Forest, et al., 23 September 2020.

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About Windstream

Windstream Holdings is a privately held communications and software company. Windstream offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses across the U.S. The company also provides premium broadband, entertainment and security services through an enhanced fiber network and 5G fixed wireless service to consumers and small and midsize businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.

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