Windstream Launches New SD-WAN Service With Fortinet

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Windstream Enterprise (WE), a leading provider of advanced network communications, announced today that it is expanding its SD-WAN portfolio solution to also include solutions based on technology vendor and security leader Fortinet. Windstream Enterprise has offered SD-WAN underpinned by VMware since 2017. The addition of Fortinet’s SD-WAN technology to the Windstream portfolio gives customers more choices and offers highly-secure, cloud-ready and rich networking capabilities combined with a next-generation firewall offering—regardless of connection type or carrier.

“ Business customers are increasingly looking for security that is native to their WAN,” said Mike Frane, vice president of product management at Windstream Enterprise. “ The Fortinet SD-WAN technology is particularly attractive due to its security pedigree. It complements our offer, broadening its appeal to customers at all levels of the enterprise spectrum.”

Fortinet’s SD-WAN capabilities, made available on the same device as their leading Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW) edge device with UTM (Unified Threat Management), deliver a powerful alternative for businesses looking to simplify their networking and security. Consolidating these network functions adds efficiency and lowers overhead, increasing the solution’s appeal.

“ Windstream’s proven market leadership in the SD-WAN space is now complemented by Fortinet’s brand recognition and leadership in the security marketplace,” said John Maddison, executive vice president, products and solutions at Fortinet. “ With a FortiGate option for Windstream Enterprise SD-WAN, customers have access to unparalleled security combined with leading WAN technology in a single offering.”

In general, SD-WAN provides a cost-effective upgrade path from MPLS-based network solutions to greater reliability and performance. Coupled with Windstream’s diverse access portfolio including ethernet, broadband and fixed wireless to create hybrid networks, SD-WAN delivers a level of application performance unmatched for the price. Integrating network and security functions creates a cost-effective solution that may be especially attractive to SMB and mid-market customers. Windstream Enterprise’s SD-WAN solution is fully-managed and —regardless of the platform option selected — may be paired with Cloud Connect, for highly-secure, private and high-performance connections to cloud-based applications. The WE Connect digital experience, offered through a portal as well as on mobile devices via the WE Connect portal app, extends the operator experience to mobile devices, enabling agile and efficient SD-WAN management.

ABOUT WINDSTREAM

Windstream Holdings, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions. Windstream provides data networking, core transport, security, unified communications and managed services to mid-market, enterprise and wholesale customers across the U.S. The company also offers broadband, entertainment and security services for consumers and small and medium-sized businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Services are delivered over multiple network platforms including a nationwide IP network, our proprietary cloud core architecture and on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 150,000 miles. Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com. Please visit our newsroom at news.windstream.com or follow us on Twitter at @Windstream or @WindstreamBiz.