BT launches global managed service with Cisco SD-WAN

BT today announced the global launch of a new software defined wide area network (SD-WAN) managed service using Cisco-based software defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualisation (NFV) solutions.

BT Connect Cisco SD-WAN provides customers with a clear view of data flows across their WAN, allowing them to optimise traffic to suit business needs — balancing performance and cost. The improved control reduces risk when migrating applications and data to the Cloud. It is offered globally as a managed service, building on BT’s sophisticated orchestration capabilities, including a full Cisco technology roadmap and the skills and experience of a dedicated centre of excellence to help customers design, deliver and evolve their SD-WAN.

Combined with its orchestration platform BT’s expertise in sophisticated technologies, application performance management, advanced routing and security means that it can help customers quickly identify and resolve issues anywhere in their networks. Optional pilot trials are available to help customers identify and meet critical success factors unique to their deployments.

Over and above future releases planned by Cisco, BT will invest in a programme of features for the managed service. Early deployment options will improve network agility for customers. These include Cisco SD-WAN as a virtual network function (VNF) within the Connect Services Platform running on Cisco’s Enterprise Network Compute System (ENCS) platform, and an integrated Cisco solution where SD-WAN capability is built into the router itself. This will provide the customer with a single edge device solution.

BT will deliver intelligent network control across its customers’ estate irrespective of their existing connectivity providers, managed from the same orchestration platform.

Keith Langridge, vice president of network services at BT said, “Over 90 per cent of BT’s global WAN customers use Cisco technology and the vast majority ask us to manage it. Today’s announcement gives them a choice of physical or virtualised Cisco SD-WAN portfolio delivered as managed services backed by our excellent security credentials.”

Scott Harrell, senior vice president and general manager, Enterprise Networking Business, Cisco said, “BT is offering the complete portfolio of Cisco SD-WAN-based solutions as managed services — and doing so on a truly global scale. Cisco SD-WAN, built on Viptela technology,is a great example of how intent-based networking is fundamentally changing the blueprint for networking.”