Telstra has released a major platform update which it says expands the capability of its Programmable Network. The telco is also partnering with network innovator VeloCloud to deliver an SD-WAN as a virtual solution to extend the network branch for customers in Australia and globally – touted as a first in Asia Pacific.
Telstra says businesses can now shift their branch network into the cloud, by deploying a single Juniper Networks Universal CPE device on site, and using a marketplace of virtual network functions to deploy the required services – all through its Programmable Network.
According to Telstra, this helps businesses virtualise their physical hardware at each site and simplify network architectures while improving operations and application performance for users and customers.
This latest upgrade introduces Universal CPE allowing customers to deploy the Telstra Programmable Network to their branch location.
{loadposition peter}With the introduction of the uCPE, Telstra is expanding its Programmable Network eco-system to enable VeloCloud’s SD-WAN solution as a virtual network function providing businesses with increased network flexibility and empowering business agility.
“Cloud adoption continues to grow and new WAN architectures such as Hybrid and SD-WAN are rapidly evolving. We are unlocking this technology for our customers who depend on having the fastest and most highly available digital experiences possible,” says Michelle Bendschneider, executive director, Telstra global products.
“Businesses need to constantly adjust in a rapidly evolving technical world, so we really looked at this release from a customer’s perspective with flexibility front of mind. The addition of SD-WAN provides a more intelligent layer to that flexibility, enabling customers to do more with their network as they digitally transform their business and scale and deploy additional applications when and where they need to.”
Bendschneider says with its global reach, Telstra is also the first company in Asia Pacific to deploy VeloCloud virtually through SD-WAN.
“As Australia’s largest telecommunications company, we are strongly positioned to provide an SD-WAN solution on a global scale. We are the only company in Australia and across APAC that can offer virtual branch networking, VeloCloud SD-WAN, and zero touch management – all in the cloud, powered through Telstra Programmable Network. This is part of our ongoing commitment to bring world-class network innovation to international markets” says Bendschneider.
Earlier this year Telstra announced a strategic partnership with VeloCloud which included an investment by Telstra Ventures, which Bendschneider says is consistent with the company’s overall network strategy to offer customers greater flexibility for enterprise customers.
“We understand that there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to business networks. Our strategy for SD-WAN is focused on removing the pain of navigating the options, to achieve a tailored outcome to meet individual needs. We can offer VeloCloud SD-WAN as a virtual network function through the TPN, and also offer SD-WAN as a more traditional physical solution,” says Bendschneider.
“Our expertise in networking, global reach and experience with SD-WAN deployments via our Business Technology Services allows us to provide a differentiated experience that we know our customers demand. Adding VeloCloud as a Virtual Network Function on demand deployed through Programmable Network or a physical appliance allows us to address our customer’s needs locally and globally.
“Looking ahead, we not only expect SD-WAN and automation to become an inherent part of the Telstra Programmable Network, but also next-generation security and monitoring. As outlined in our recent SOC launches, we continue to work towards building one of the most extensive, secure virtual network eco-systems in the world.”
Telstra Programmable Network and VeloCloud SD-WAN is now available for customers in Australia and globally.