Sprint has launched Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) services in collaboration with VeloCloud, a provider of Cloud-delivered SD-WAN solutions, following a series of customer trials in the fourth quarter 2016.
“The move to an all-IP network that delivers voice, data, video, and wireless applications is creating more complex WANs that demands visibility and the ability to react immediately to any issues that threaten network performance,” Fitz said. “Sprint SD-WAN provides the ‘single pane of glass’ our business customers need to rapidly deploy emerging technologies, reduce management complexity, and maintain network stability and consistency.”
The carrier indicated its SD-WAN Service does not require enterprises to “rip and replace” their current network elements, resulting in minimal disruption to end-users. For connectivity, enterprises can use new or existing Sprint MPLS or broadband internet connectivity, as well as bring their own broadband (BYOBB) from other providers. Sprint manages the customer’s SD-WAN solution across transport vendors.
The service comes with a variety of management tiers to enable customers to select the level of support they need, including a Sprint fully managed solution. Sprint also noted its SD-WAN Service integrates with the Sprint suite of converged services, including SIP Trunking, SIP Cloud Toll Free, Workplace-as-a-Service, WiFi, and UCaaS solutions. The solution also reportedly complements the carrier’s Global MPLS, Dedicated Internet Access, Managed VoIP, Global SIP Trunking, UCaaS, Cloud Exchange, Managed Network and Security Solutions, and the Workplace-as-a-Service solutions.
Verizon Enterprise Solutions has launched a new enterprise service that allows consumers to connect directly and securely by phone with a contact center agent, without having to exit the mobile app they are using on their smartphones.
Dubbed Visual Interactive Calling, the offering is reportedly designed for banks, retailers, airlines, travel and hospitality companies, and other brands looking to improve how they communicate with and serve customers. The new tool enables consumers to connect directly to a live agent from within a customer app to answer questions, help complete an order, or resolve an issue. The solution helps maintain security and protects customer information through stringent authentication.
It is immediately available to U.S.-based companies.
Spirent Communications, a provider of lifecycle service assurance solutions, announced it is collaborating with Huawei, IBM, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra to develop a framework for rapid service innovation in virtual networks. The project is part of the Joint Agile Development (JAD) catalyst sponsored by AT&T, Orange, and TIM, and was showcased at TM Forum Live! 2017.
The catalyst project demonstrates how network functions virtualization (NFV) and open interfaces enable faster service innovation with fewer resources. The project addresses the core need for rapid service innovation, streamlining and automating the process by which virtual network functions (VNFs) are enhanced, validated, and then deployed to the production network.
Spirent VisionWorks solutions address testing and assurance needs across the network and service lifecycle, including network validation, service testing, and operational assurance.
VisionWorks supports the JAD catalyst project by providing fully automated validation of VNF on-boarding and end-to-end service layer performance. The VisionWorks service assurance controller integrates to other components of the JAD platform via an open test management and execution framework which is documented as part of the project. For the demonstration at TM Forum Live! 2017, VisionWorks leveraged this framework to interface with IBM Rational to receive test parameters for validation of newly instantiated VNFs in a pre-production environment. Once the test request was received, VNF performance and associated end-to-end service quality were automatically tested and detailed pass/fail information was provided back to IBM Rational to enable deployment or additional development.
The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) announced several new members were elected to join its Board roster of wireless industry leaders. Newly elected EWA Directors include Hal Herron, of Performance Innovators; Robert McGowan, of Ledgewood, N.J.; Scott Schoepel, of Motorola Solutions Inc.; Scott Skibness, of Harris Corporation; and Geno Viviano, of Communications International.
“We are pleased to have these distinguished wireless professionals serve on EWA’s Board of Directors. They bring knowledge and experience that will serve EWA and its members for years to come,” EWA President Mark Crosby commented.
U-blox, a provider of wireless and positioning modules and chips, debuted the SARA-S200, one of the smallest modules for the Machine Network, based on RPMA (Random Phase Multiple Access), a low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology.
The Machine Network is a wireless network built by Ingenu, the creators of RPMA technology, exclusively for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. RPMA operates in the globally license-free 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band across 20 counties.
U-blox said it has successfully ported the technology used in its first-generation RPMA modules and made it 65 percent smaller. SARA-S200 delivers significant cost and size optimizations ideal for application in the smart meter, smart building, gas and oil, asset/personnel tracking, and agricultural industries, the company said.
As the second generation module developed by u-blox in association with Ingenu, SARA-S200 builds on the companies’ strategic partnership, which began in September 2016 and was cemented with the introduction of u-blox’s first module for the Machine Network, the NANO-S100.