Telstra launches APAC-first SD-WAN and virtual branch via Telstra Programmable Network

SINGAPORE – 25
October 2017 – Telstra today announced a major platform update,
expanding the capability of its Telstra Programmable Network,
and partnering with leading network innovator VeloCloud to
deliver SD-WAN as a virtual solution to extend the
branch for customers in Australia and globally – a first in the Asia-Pacific
region.

Businesses can now
shift their branch network into the cloud, by deploying a single Juniper
Networks Universal CPE device onsite, and using a marketplace of virtual
network functions to deploy the required services – all through Telstra
Programmable Network. This helps businesses virtualise their physical hardware
at each site and simplify network architectures, while improving operations and
application performance for users and customers.

The Telstra
Programmable Network is a leading digital platform for enterprise network
services, built on Software-Defined Networking. It provides customers with a
fully automated on-demand experience and flexible pricing model. Users can
self-provision bandwidth and virtual network functions to provide secure
connectivity to cloud platforms and data centres globally.

This latest upgrade
introduces Universal CPE (uCPE), allowing customers to deploy the Telstra
Programmable Network to their branch location. With the introduction of the
uCPE, Telstra is expanding the Telstra Programmable Network ecosystem to enable
VeloCloud’s leading SD-WAN solution as a virtual network function, thereby
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,”
said 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 being 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,” said Ms. Bendschneider.

Dustin Kehoe, an
analyst from GlobalData, reinforced Telstra’s leadership position commenting:
“Telstra Programmable Network inches ahead of competitors, as it brings this
elegant solution to Australia and globally in more than 30 countries, including
Asia, the US and EMEA.”

With its global reach,
Telstra is also the first company in the Asia-Pacific region 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 the Asia-Pacific region 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,” said Ms.
Bendschneider.

Earlier this year
Telstra announced a strategic partnership with VeloCloud, which included an
investment by Telstra Ventures, consistent with the company’s overall network
strategy to offer 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 Telstra Programmable Network,
and also offer SD-WAN as a more traditional physical solution,” said Ms.
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 customers’ 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 ecosystems
in the world.”

Telstra Programmable
Network and VeloCloud SD-WAN is now available for customers in Australia and
globally. For more information, visit Telstra Programmable Network here.