Verizon unveils its new software-defined WAN service using Cisco's Intelligent WAN (IWAN) technology

Verizon Becomes First Service Provider to Offer New Cisco Software-Defined Networking Technology

Verizon has unveiled its new software-defined WAN service using Cisco's Intelligent WAN (IWAN) technology that harnesses the power of the Internet with the performance and reliability of a private IP network, to help enterprises keep up with the continued growth of network traffic.

"With Verizon's new service, we are taking our IWAN solution to the next level," said Jeff Reed, vice president of the Cisco Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions Group. "Cisco IWAN's open architecture enables Verizon to offer a flexible, highly secure and reliable service to its enterprise customers. With IWAN as the foundation and Verizon's expertise in network management, the solution will enable enterprises to improve the application experience for their employees and customers."

Through Cisco's software-defined WAN solution, Verizon is enabling a:

• Better User Experience: Integrated application optimization for improved and faster application performance
• Highly Secure Infrastructure and Applications: Robust, highly secure and certified routing platforms (ISRs and ASRs)
• Low Operational Cost: Intelligent Path Control to fully utilize both MPLS and the Internet
• IT Agility: Provision new sites and services faster with a hybrid WAN to support key business initiatives

"Verizon and Cisco have joined forces to enable a whole new generation of networking solutions that help companies operate more efficiently and with greater agility," said Shawn Hakl, vice president of enterprise networking and innovation, Verizon. "Our focus is to help enterprises improve the performance and security of their networks by using the most effective means of connecting mobile users to cloud applications. More than ever, today's networks require rigorous oversight and expert management to meet the constant demands of the digital age."

Verizon and Cisco will both market and sell the managed solution to their respective enterprise customer bases in the U.S. beginning in September. The companies plan to roll out the solution in EMEA by the end of the year. The new solution will be supported by Verizon's IT consulting group which help enterprises manage their transition to SD-based networking.

Market projections from analyst firm IDC indicate that the SDN market will reach $8 billion in revenue by 2018.*

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, employs a diverse workforce of 178,500 and generated more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 109.5 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

*IDC, Worldwide Software-Defined Networking Market Expected to Reach $8 Billion by 2018, August 2014

SOURCE Verizon